Temperance

• Georgia (GMEA) State Music List – Grade 5

Winner of the 2017 CBDNA Young Band Composition Contest

Temperance was commissioned by a consortium of Minnesota universities, colleges and high schools and was premiered by the 2017 Intercollegiate Honor Band at the­­ Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic. From the start, I knew I wanted the piece to be connected to the state of Minnesota: the place I’ve called home for most of my life.

When I think of Minnesota, my mind tends to drift to the scenic stretch of Lake Superior between Duluth and Canada, locally referred to as the North Shore. While there are seemingly countless outdoor destinations along the North Shore from which to choose, the Temperance River has always been a personal favorite. Further, I knew this was an area many of the members of the consortium had likely visited.

After contemplating some of the different directions I might take the work, I became intrigued by the word “temperance.” Most simply, the word is defined as “restraint.” From the chorale-like passages to the moments of nearly static harmony, the idea of “restraint” permeated my thoughts as I composed. Temperance is my response to the beauty, serenity and solitude found along Minnesota’s North Shore.