The Parting Glass

Irish folk tunes have always been a genre of music which I have found easy to love, and I doubt I am alone in those feelings. The music is typically quite singable, memorable, and has a way of tugging at our heartstrings. It was for these reasons that I was so pleased to be invited to write a setting of this gorgeous tune for the United States Army's Ceremonial Band to be performed at services at Arlington Cemetery. The Drum Major of this outstanding musical unit of "Pershing's Own," Master Sergeant Matthew J. Carmichael is the son of my lifelong friend, Dr. John Carmichael. The world of music is filled with joyous connections to people and music we love!

The setting for the Ceremonial Band had to meet very specific needs and parameters for that ensemble, but the experience of arranging this lovely melody inspired me to write a full arrangement for concert band, something that Matthew suggested. The second half of the piece incorporates some of the original material I used for the Army Band's rendition.