An Arboretum Adventure

An Arboretum Adventure, op. 271
Commissioned by the Lisle High School Bands, Lisle, IL
Commissioned by the Lisle C.U.S.D 202 Grades 5-12 Band Program, Lisle, Illinois
James Stellmacher - Fine Arts Department Chair, Scott Gumina, Daniel Schraub, and Phillip Meyer - Band Directors
Funded through a grant from the JCS Arts Health and Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation
2025 – grade 3.5 - 5:00 

COMING SOON!

Lisle, Illinois is the "Arboretum Village." The Fine Arts Department Chair told me that like a tree, their music program begins with "roots" that form a solid foundation in the early years of training. The program branches out over time and continues to grow and produce "abundant musical fruit." The music program also provides beauty to their schools and even shelter for those who find it to be a "safe place" in the storms of childhood and adolescence.

Consequently, this piece was written with supplemental parts at the grade 1 and 2 levels in order that all band students from beginning level through middle school could join the high school band in the performance. It was suggested that the composition could begin with a simple, beautiful and calm opening, then move to an exciting and unusual development section leading to a majestic ending. That is exactly what I endeavored to do when crafting the piece for this wonderful band program.