Tribute

Description

Tribute was commissioned in 2015 by ATSSB Region 6 (Darin K. Johns, organizer) in honor of former colleague Randy Storie (1949-2015). Randy Storie led exemplary bands in his 45-year teaching career including 35 years at Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, TX where his bands garnered statewide and national praise for both marching and concert programs. Mr. Storie influenced thousands of lives in profound ways throughout his professional career. Many former students will remember his passion for beautiful music as well as his extreme pride in and dedication to his students. As one of those former students, I was honored and humbled to have been commission by ATSSB Region 6 and for the premiere being conducted by long-time friend and colleague Gabriel Musella with the ATSSB Region 6 Honor Band. For those that knew Mr. Storie, this work will have special meaning. For those that did not know him, I hope the music touches you as a tribute to a caring and thoughtful man.

The work opens with euphonium which was Randy Storie’s primary instrument. Establishing the opening melody with euphonium is a direct tribute to Mr. Storie as are many elements of the composition. Storie’s love of Grainger’s Irish Tune, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and Verdi’s Requiem all play into the composition of this work. The form of the first three sections of the composition is scored in a way to evoke distinct memories of Grainger’s Irish Tune, the primary melody is based on the first five notes of Elgar’s famous “enigma” theme, and at a musical high-point, a quote from Verdi’s Requiem is blended with the Elgar quote to create a special blend of emotions from the music Mr. Storie loved. Following the primary body of this “tribute” that focuses on the beauty of music in Mr. Storie’s life, the work moves into an uplifting treatment of one of his favorite hymns – Eternal Father, Strong To Save. A single chime continues to ring at the end of the composition representing his continuing positive influence in the lives of many students, colleagues, and friends.

Published by: RBC Publications