Shining as the Sun - for symphonic band
Year: 2022
Grade: 3
Duration: ca. 5:15
Purchase: Murphy Music Press
Recording: Texas Christian University Concert Band | Matthew Garrett, Conductor
Shining as the Sun is a setting of the universally known and loved melody Amazing Grace. The work was commissioned by Tyler DeVault, director of the Olympia High School Concert Band, in honor of his childhood friend, Joel Irons, who passed away while still a young adult. Tyler's descriptions paint a beautifully vivid image of his friend: Joel was an intelligent, thoughtful, quiet-yet-outspoken person from whom others learned by example. When Tyler and Joel played in band together at Olympia High School, Joel spent much of his time listening to jazz, blues, gospel, folk, and bluegrass, transferring that influence to his playing as a tenor saxophonist and guitarist. He played old records and went to jazz clubs, deeply dedicated to immersing himself in the music he loved. He was not only incredibly talented but also wise beyond his years.
When we planned together, Tyler and I decided on a character for the piece that matched Joel's: one that is steady, meditative, at times playful, at times melancholy, and never over-the-top. Joel's musical interests are explored in a number of ways. The work is very heavily built on the "blues scale", paying respect to Joel's love of the blues. His guitar playing is reflected by arpeggiated chords in the ensemble, one note stacked on top of another like the plucked strings of a guitar. The work ends with a jazzy solo by an ensemble member, reflecting Joel's skilled jazz tenor saxophone playing, while the rest of the ensemble sings the final verse of Amazing Grace in his honor.
Tyler has now come full circle, directing the band at Olympia High School where he and Joel once made music together. I'm honored that Tyler thought of me to take the opportunity that this unique circumstance presents: to compose a work that serves to bring Joel's influence and legacy back to where it began, and to memorialize his life, friendship, and musicianship. Tyler sums it up best with the dedication that he wrote, printed at the top of the score for this work:
For Joel Irons and his light, friendship, and unwavering commitment to the OHS Music Department
May this piece be a loving reminder for all of those who were fortunate enough to have crossed his path.