James Madison University Wind Symphony, Dr. Stephen P. Bolstad (conductor), March 2021
Year: 2021
Duration: 3:00
Grade: Advanced
Written for Dr. Stephen P. Bolstad
& the James Madison University Wind
Symphony.
Recorded by the JMU Wind Symphony
and Dr. Stephen Bolstad (conductor) on March 22,
2021 at the Forbes Center for the
Performing Arts.
Program Notes
Some of the fondest days of my life came from the period when I lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia, a gorgeous rural town that is home to James Madison University (JMU). Even though I spent a majority of my time studying to earn a master’s degree in conducting, I found myself constantly enveloped by the natural wonders of the Shenandoah Valley and the friendly temperament of the people who resided there. This inspiration resulted in the creation of many new compositions, including a brass and percussion fanfare entitled Friendly City Overture, written for and dedicated to my dear mentor and now retired JMU Director of Bands, Dr. Stephen P. Bolstad. The piece was originally orchestrated for a standard wind ensemble brass instrumentation with three percussionists, including timpani. The first iteration of the piece was premiered and recorded under the direction of Dr. Bolstad in March 2021 by the JMU Wind Symphony brass and percussion during the thralls of the COVID 19 Pandemic. The piece would be later orchestrated for full wind ensemble instrumentation in 2023 and premiered by the JMU Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Bolstad in May 2024. The second iteration of this piece is also dedicated to Dr. Bolstad, in celebration of his retirement as Director of Bands at JMU.
In terms of it musical inspiration, Friendly City Overture is a synthesis of broadened musical horizons, due to my time spent living and studying in Harrisonburg. The piece has a binary form, broken up into two contrasting sections that reappear later in the composition. While a great deal of music inspired the opening A section, the two most prevalent musicians are that of my teacher and composer Dr. Eric Guinivan and the prolific funk guitarist Cory Wong. Dr. Guinivan’s composition, entitled Matsuri, was a constant wellspring of inspiration for the initial idea of this piece. The opening rhythm, played by the french horns, is based off a pneumonic device that Cory Wong invented to rhythmically interact with his audiences at live shows. The B section of the composition is inspired by the music of a local Harrisonburg funk band that I use to perform with during my time at JMU. The performances that I shared with many of the members had a profound musical impact on me and I look back on those days with great nostalgia. A hallmark difference between the first and second iteration of the piece is the bevy of percussion that is incorporated in the wind ensemble version, featuring instruments and rhythms primarily from Central and Latin America.
Harrisonburg, Virginia will forever be a hidden jewel close to my heart. I believe the citizens who live there are the best examples of what a community can achieve when hospitality and friendliness is at the forefront of the cities’ culture. In its essence, Friendly City Overture is a celebration of time well spent with some of the kindest human beings on this planet. It is my hope that through this composition, the continuation of those ideals may live on, so that every city can be a friendly one!
Shawn W. Davern 