Jay Bocook

This masterful work by Jay Bocook was composed for fellow South Carolinian and highly regarded educator Scott Rush, known for his accomplishments with the nationally acclaimed Wando High School band program. Employing a minimalistic approach, this dynamic piece uses layers of constantly evolving textures and rhythmic devices, while propelled throughout by an energetic underlying pulse. Sprinkled with surprises and dramatic effects, and culminating with the full force of the entire ensemble, Head Rush is a dramatic and unique addition to the repertoire for mature ensembles. Dur: 5:00

Commissioned by the McDaniel College Summer Music Camp in Westminster, Maryland, Kirkpatrick’s Muse celebrates 30 years of excellence and is dedicated to camp founder, Dr. Linda Kirkpatrick. The piece opens with a plaintive Irish style flute solo, then moves seamlessly to the fast-paced section loosely based around the Appalachian fiddle tune “Glory in the Meeting House” introduced by the bodhran (Irish frame drum). Highlighting the simple charm of traditional Irish music, Kirkpatrick’s Muse also features some wild excursions in color, texture and harmony. Dur: 5:00

Commissioned by the North Carolina South Central District Bandmasters Association, Liquid portrays the many different ways that water moves around us. From the opening raindrops and first few notes upon which the piece is built, this fast-paced and engaging work takes us through a series of variations that depict cascading waterfalls, flowing rivers, crashing waves, trickling creeks, and ripples over the surface of a calm lake. The piece culminates with a thunderous setting of the 13th-century Latin hymn “Dies Irae,” or “Day of Wrath.” Dur: 5:30

The term “maverick” has come to describe someone fiercely independent, and derives from the mid 1800s in the person of Samuel A. Maverick – Texas lawyer, politician, land baron and advocate for Texas independence from Mexico. In this descriptive work for band, Jay Bocook uses a blend of dramatic playfulness along with contrasts and excitement to depict a spirit of independence. Impressive sounding, and still fun!