Of Stories Told

Wind Orchestra voices, recorder, violin and antiphonal brass

8' 00"

After the word-of-mouth commission, I began the work somewhere in the early months of 2007 and completed the manuscript and engraved scores by mid June.

Education Queensland, Queensland, Australia

This work was commissioned by Education Queensland for the Maryborough Music Conference held in July of 2007. It was written to display the vibrant nature of music education in Queensland State Schools, with a union of band, strings and choral. It was also designed to display aspects of the historical and cultural influences in the local area of Maryborough. Mike Tyler is one of the principal reasons that instrumental music education is so strong in Queensland State Schools. Along with regional music coordinator Ken Hodgkinson, founder of the conference where the work was premiered, Tyler set out to have a new work produced that would reflect not only reflect the quality of music education in Queensland but allow those involved in presenting, the teachers, the opportunity to perform the premiere of this new work. I am indebted to both of them for their consideration and belief in my skills in commissioning me to write this work.

It was particularly satisfying to have my dear friend Rob McWilliams premiere the work in Maryborough. He is a fine musician and he is held in very high regard in the band community particularly in Australia.

Further insight into the work can be found in the program note and in related correspondence.

Education Queensland Music Conference 10th of July 2007 with Dr Rob McWilliams conducting. Composed for the Teachers' Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

Subsequent performances:

• Queensland Conservatorium Wind Orchestra - 26 March 2010

Neil A Kjos Music Company, San Diego www.kjos.com in 2008.

Program note

Kjos publication

Kjos publication promotional recording

Eminent American composer Mark Camphouse said of this work: "I am really impressed with your new work, Of Stories Told. Wonderfully fresh sounds...I wish I had written it."
Collated responses
Thanks for the research

Of Stories Told is a joyful and celebratory work which is a personal reflection on being a music teacher and attribute to my colleagues here in Queensland. I enjoy conducting it and listening to others work with it because it invigorates me as a conductor and a listener. The Celtic style melodic material and the infectious rhythmic constructs invite participation, even if only to clap or tap along.