An Olympic Year

An Olympic Year was composed in September of 2012 by the composer just at the start of school for the Mansfield University Wind Ensemble with the express purpose of having the work performed at the MU Annual Department PRISM concerts that Fall. The composer has been a faculty member at Mansfield University since 1995 and introduced the PRISM Concert concept upon his arrival, whereby an hour of music from all corners of the performing hall is offered, uninterrupted by pause or applause,
and features a wide variety of musical offerings. A favorite event for the entire community, the composer decided, after having created pieces for his percussion ensemble and steel bsnds, to write something for his wind ensemble as well. The resulting composition emerged over a long holidfay weekend and was edited over the next few days.

The title is reflective of the year the MU Band Program had been celebrating since their invitation to perform during the World Summer Olympic Games in London, England in August of 2012. For the students and staff, the opportunity to perform on the world stage was a chance of a lifetime. In honor of this special event, the composer has dedicated his work to the students and staff of the band program in humble celebration of their success and honor.