Blessed, Give Thanks

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, Mallets, Crotales, Timpani, Percussion 1, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Percussion 2, Bass Drum, Triangle — Blessed, Give Thanks is a lyrical nocturne for band that expresses feelings of thankfulness and appreciation, of which we so rarely notice in our lives. Many times we instinctively go through the motions of each day without slowing down to think how lucky we are that each day we have blessings and graces that others may not have. And it is our responsibility to pay it forward.The piece acts like a poetic canticle, with flowing eighth-note melodies symbolizing the light of understanding that comes with thankfulness. Like the constant twinkling of the night, these breaths of lyrical phrases lead the harmony forward and pass between sections, representing the shared nature of gratitude and generosity — how one person’s act of kindness or joy can inspire another, adding to the graces that we have. Using beautiful orchestration and tone color that brings out the warmness from every instrument section, the music conveys a poetic longing for sincerity and serenity, like the beauty and grace of the night sky, hoping to share that nature of thanks.I dedicate this work to the students and staff of the 2026 Fort Lee High School Band Program in Fort Lee, NJ. After completing my 2nd-season with their marching band as a brass/drum major technician, I've come to really value the work and passion for music that this program has. This class year is special to me. They reminded me of my senior year, when my love for music overcame obstacles that bound me. Even though I have only worked with them for two years now, I feel like I've known them forever, and I appreciate the fellowship and growth that I've made along with this group of students and individuals. As a composer, my fondest experiences are getting to work with ensembles at any time. But as a music teacher, it hits different. Because I get to work with them longer, and in that time, friendships develop, and inspiration grows. This year, it hit different for me. Which is why I'm happy to dedicate this work to this class year and to all future students and staff of the Fort Lee High School Bands. This is my thanks to them, for the memories that shall always be with me. Bridgemen forever.—Joshua Idio Blessed, Give Thanks is a lyrical nocturne for band, with beautifully flowing eighth-note melodies leading us forward in a graceful way. It expresses feelings of thankfulness and appreciation, which we so rarely notice in our daily lives. Through warm tone color and orchestration, the music embodies a poetic longing for sincerity and serenity, like the beauty and grace of the night sky, hoping to share a nature of gratitude.

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