Concert Band
Music for Life
Grade 4 | 8 Mins
Music for Life was commissioned by the members of Community Band South, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - James Bennett and Dean Streator, founders/directors - on the occasion of the band's 20th Anniversary in 2007.
Community Band South was formed in 1987 to provide the opportunity and place for former high school and college band members who enjoyed the experience to continue to play. The band’s motto is thus Music is for a Lifetimeand this suggested the title for the commission.
Philip Sparke wanted to reflect the positive aspects of both the band’s philosophy and the energy suggested by the chosen title by producing a work that is always and full of life and vitality, even in its more reflective moments. Because of this, the piece is almost totally melodic, relying little on development or other formal devices.
A series of lively melodic statements are presented before a slower central section is introduced, designed to showcase the Community Band South’s talented clarinet section. But the moment of reflection is short-lived and the livelier music returns to end the work in the same spirit that it started.