A Memorial Day Tribute - "Honor: We Will Remember."

[John P]

Memorial Day Greetings.

Before entering the diamond business I was a Texas Band Director. Even after the career change I've been blessed to continue as a mentor each year, coaching my former band at L.D. Bell High School. In many ways, working with that group keeps me grounded. I feel there's nothing more important than passing on the value of discipline, teamwork and integrity to young people.

I thought I'd share a production we put on the field in 2010. With a father who served in WWII, and wife and sister serving in more recent times, this is an artistic reflection of what Memorial Day means to me. It honors the sacrifice of prior generations, of heroes and allies fallen. It honors those who have served and are serving now, at home and abroad, to defend our liberties.

The show is called "Honor: We Will Remember." Yes, it's just a group of high school students...but it's one of the most moving projects I've had the pleasure to be involved-in, and I cannot say enough positive things about this group of young performers.

To those interested, enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWf4irlU_YI
(click HD settings to 720p)

 

[cflutist]

John,

What a moving tribute and excellent performance. I enjoyed every minute of it.
It amazes me that musicians in a marching band have to do everything that we do while playing in an orchestra, but more.
They have to know the choreography and have to be able to play and march in unison at the same time.
I especially enjoyed the clarinet solo near the end from Dvorak's New World Symphony.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Arcadian]

John that was a very moving tribute. I'm the daughter of a vet who retired officially in 2009 after seeing what he calls "too much action". Thanks for sharing.

 

[KaeKae]

John, thank you for sharing this with us.

I have the highest regard for band directors, my daughter is currently a sophomore in high school and is in the concert and marching bands. It is the most wonderful experience, as you said, teaching the students discipline, teamwork and integrity. Also, the parents, as my husband and I are heavily involved, as well.

I just loved watching your video. Last fall, during competition season, we were able to see many wonderful bands perform, including two who had similar themes. I so enjoyed watching them, each interpretation was special and inspiring. And, by the way, putting the stone markers out and the final salute just gave me the chills.

 

[John P]

Thanks for the kind comments.

The conceptual undertaking was to "build" the Normandy American Cemetery. By the end of the show the stone markers fill more than half of the entire field.

Something to watch is the transition of the girls from soldiers into spirits. They begin the show wearing green utilities, but gradually turn into fallen spirits wearing white. By the culmination and in the final pose, all of them are spirits. There's a moment between 5 and 6 minutes into the video when the living and fallen are half and half; the only moment where they symbolically interact. Appropriately, it's to Tchesnokov's iconic work, "Salvation Is Created."

The closer was originally scripted as another piece. But then Hans Zimmer's amazing, inspirational score for the HBO miniseries "The Pacific" debuted. We were ecstatic when we received permission to use it for the culmination of this tribute.

John that was a very moving tribute. I'm the daughter of a vet who retired officially in 2009 after seeing what he calls "too much action". Thanks for sharing.

I'm so glad, and thanks. My father, who served in WWII, and several compatriots, attended our local community performance before the band headed to nationals. He arrived in the show T-Shirt, with his WWII medals pinned on it. Afterwards he held court, leaning on his cane and regaling the band directors and staff with some amazing stories from his time in the war that I had never even heard before. It's one of my fondest memories prior to his passing.

I have the highest regard for band directors, my daughter is currently a sophomore in high school and is in the concert and marching bands. It is the most wonderful experience, as you said, teaching the students discipline, teamwork and integrity. Also, the parents, as my husband and I are heavily involved, as well.

It's my turn to give thanks... YOU are the glue that keeps band programs - and any extracurricular activity - together. Your support and especially your time are invaluable. Thanks for your commitment to music education.

I just loved watching your video. Last fall, during competition season, we were able to see many wonderful bands perform, including two who had similar themes. I so enjoyed watching them, each interpretation was special and inspiring. And, by the way, putting the stone markers out and the final salute just gave me the chills.

I am with you. Every year the themes and achievement in our high schools is amazing. Since joining the diamond business I've maintained a position as one of the announcers for Bands Of America and for the Colorado State Championships. It's so nice to have the best seat in the house to watch thousands of amazing young people do their thing, every fall.

Thanks again for watching.