The Beginning of All Things (2023)
Commissioned by the Charlotte High School Wind Orchestra, Mr. Tommy Bunnens, Director of Bands
2023 - Program Note
Dedicated to my first child, Charlotte Louise, and my incredibly supportive wife, Elisabeth.
In the spring of 2022 I discovered the work, “Heaven’s Morning Breaks” which quickly turned into my favorite on our concert program; throughout the rehearsal process my students’ eyes lit up each day we spent time with the piece. For years I have been looking for an opportunity to commission a piece and because of the way Brooke’s compositional voice resonated with me and my students, I knew I wanted to work with him to bring new music into the world.
Our initial conversations centered around a commission for a flashy fanfare and concert opener. However, shortly after these conversations I found out that my first child was on her way. Having never been a father before (and admittedly never really seeing myself as one) my entire perspective on everything changed almost overnight. I told Brooke the news in hopes that it would help him find some inspiration for the piece. What was born (pun intended) is a fanfare filled with angst and strife, but also hope. This piece perfectly captures my emotions as I embark on life’s greatest journey: parenthood.
Tommy Bunnens, Director of Bands, Charlotte High School
Dedicated to my first child, Charlotte Louise, and my incredibly supportive wife, Elisabeth.
In the spring of 2022 I discovered the work, “Heaven’s Morning Breaks” which quickly turned into my favorite on our concert program; throughout the rehearsal process my students’ eyes lit up each day we spent time with the piece. For years I have been looking for an opportunity to commission a piece and because of the way Brooke’s compositional voice resonated with me and my students, I knew I wanted to work with him to bring new music into the world.
Our initial conversations centered around a commission for a flashy fanfare and concert opener. However, shortly after these conversations I found out that my first child was on her way. Having never been a father before (and admittedly never really seeing myself as one) my entire perspective on everything changed almost overnight. I told Brooke the news in hopes that it would help him find some inspiration for the piece. What was born (pun intended) is a fanfare filled with angst and strife, but also hope. This piece perfectly captures my emotions as I embark on life’s greatest journey: parenthood.
Tommy Bunnens, Director of Bands, Charlotte High School