In the spring of 2010, my minister put me in touch with his nephew, the trombonist of the Gaudete Brass Quintet of Chicago. A brief conversation resulted in a commission for an expansive four movement work written over the course of three years. Lighthouses have always been a fascination of mine; all of the things they must see! The piece begins with a call to the high seas. In this you will hear the introduction of the lighthouse dynamic, a large dynamic sweep, representing the lighthouse light swinging by and out of sight again. The second movement depicts adventures on the open sea. In the third movement, darkness falls. The finale represents daybreak and the excitement of the new day. A dramatic moment leads to a heroic moment, followed by a moment of silence for those who have fallen (the second theme of the fourth movement is presented in the style of taps). A return of the call to the high seas leads to an energetic conclusion. Lighthouse Suite is dedicated to the Gaudete Brass Quintet who premiered the piece in the fall of 2014.

An excellent setting of a Sousa march dedicated to the US Naval Reserve. Sousa joined the US Navy during WWI to help train musicians for the war effort. This march incorporates his song, ?Blue Ridge, I?m Coming Back To You? in the Trio section.The arrangement for brass quintet has an optional drum part and optional substitute parts for the horn and trombone.This grade 3 arrangement would be perfect for a patriotic setting or for in commemoration of World War I.