Robert Buckley

“Cathedral Grove” is a magnificent park on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, containing some of the oldest and largest trees in the world. It is the towering, majestic pillars of these ancient giants and the quiet serenity of this place that inspired this music. Evocative and impressionistic in nature, Robert Buckley’s writing depicts the richness of the colors and textures, and the diffused light shining through the canopy of leaves above. At times hauntingly lyrical, and other times prayer-like and reverent, but always filled with awe and beauty. (Includes optional part for acoustic guitar or harp). Recorded by the Troy University Symphony Band – Mark Walker, conductor

In 1917 two ships collided in the harbor of Halifax, Canada. The resulting explosion devastated most of the city. Echoes of the Silent is a hymn that pays homage to those who perished and to the resilient souls who survived. This music is reverent and reflective, with emotional ebbs and swells and an eventual build to a stirring theme of hope and inner strength. Ideal as a festival or memorial piece, this work is an opportunity for your ensemble to explore softer dynamics, expression and nuance. Dur: 5:05

Free Running is an exciting, high velocity tour-de-force that will keep both musicians and the audience on the edge of their seats. Inspiration for the work came from the pointillistic paintings of Seurat (who created images by using tiny spots of primary colors on his canvas) and from Parkour, a form of urban acrobatics in which participants, known as free runners, use the structures of the rural landscape to perform catlike leaps and sprints. The resulting creation is a non-stop piece of music made up of only staccato notes in a constant rhythm moving through different sections of the ensemble. Free Running was commissioned by the Troy University Symphony Band for the 2011 Alabama Music Educators Association Convention. Ideal for concert or festival use, it is guaranteed to leave the audience breathless! Dur: 5:10

Recorded by the Troy University Symphony Band – Ralph Ford, conductor

Written as a celebratory piece, From The Highest Peak is a rousing overture that explodes with energy and is a tribute to the pursuit of excellence and the triumph of the human spirit. With powerful fanfares, triumphant melodies, driving percussion and dynamic contrasts, this exciting concert opener moves through different musical colors without ever losing its relentless drive.Dur: 3:15

Land of the Midnight Sun is a cinematic, musical journey depicting the awe-inspiring expanse of the far north and the raw beauty of this magnificent panorama. The piece opens with the breaking of the ice and the warming of the land. Featuring a lyrical trumpet or flugelhorn solo, a rich and reverent brass chorale and a luminescent woodwind choir, the music ebbs and flows and builds to a celebration of light. Full of lush colors and sweeping melodies, this will give any ensemble an opportunity to soar! Dur: 6:00

Robert Buckley has taken a rhapsodic approach to this version of the familiar Ukrainian Bell Carol, mixing original ideas along with the well-known melody. Every section of the band gets a chance to shine in this dazzling and skillfully crafted holiday production number, perfect for mature ensembles.

Based on the legendary lake creature that lives in Okanagan Lake in Canada, Ogopogo uses quirky orchestration and rhythms to bring the monster to life. The enormous creature rises from the depths, plays in the waves and then suddenly disappears back into the darkness. Ideal for a unique change of pace, Ogopogo uses the first 6 notes of the B-flat scale and is written in the Phrygian mode.

The city of Amsterdam is unique for its lovely canals, impressive 17th-century architecture, and 1,500+ bridges. A bicycle ride is a great way to see the city, and bike bells are part of its soundscape. Postcards from Amsterdam (part of Robert Buckley’s “Postcard” series) features bicycle bells and a “pedaling” rhythm throughout, conjuring up images of riding up and down the old canals, through tulip-filled parks, and around the colorful neighborhoods and squares. Dur: 3:15

“Prestidigitation” means sleight of hand or nimble fingers, and describes the alto saxophone soloist in this innovative and compelling work. The triplet rhythms, walking bass line and call-and-response style blend together to give this piece a playful, jazzy flavor. Written for virtuoso saxophonist Dr. Julia Nolan, this composition is a tour-de-force for both the soloist and the ensemble – a powerful addition to the solo saxophone repertoire! Prestidigitation was co-commissioned by the West Vancouver Youth Band, the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Sea To Sky Wind Ensemble. Dur: 5:45

(Recorded by the Troy University Symphony Band, directed by Mark Walker. Rad Bolt alto saxophone soloist.)

Imagine a colorful procession of magical and mythical characters and creatures. Imagine wizards and witches; jesters and jugglers; magicians and minstrels; gargoyles and goblins. Imagine brightly decorated wagons drawn by unicorns with stilt walkers and acrobats on unicycles. Imagine them all moving past in a stately procession heading towards Merlin’s enchanted castle in the distance! Unique and descriptive, this marvelous work includes optional parts for choir (or synthesizer) for added enhancement and dramatic effect.