Brass Quintet - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1489511
Composed by Dr. Daniel N. Thrower. 21st Century,Chamber,Historic,Patriotic,Pop. 38 pages. Https://gildedmusicpress.com/ #1066374. Published by https://gildedmusicpress.com/ (A0.1489511).
In 2022 the United States Air Force celebrated 75 years of air and space dominance since its creation in 1947. The festivities and ceremonies surfaced throughout the nation all year. This composition was crafted as one of those celebratory creations. “Legacy of Valor” was originally composed for brass quintet and rock band, with two vocalists singing a stirring account of legacy handed down from one generation to another. The lyrics are here:
In my youth, I knew a man
Who loved to talk about his history;
Unfolded his mystery!
He made me laugh about some things,
And we cried about some others,
And we prayed as we talked about his fallen brothers.
As I grew, I though a lot
About that man who told me stories—
His woes and his glories.
Something firm about his voice
Inspired my skill to make a choice,
To recall our defenders’ valiant sacrifice.
As I wanted to be like this man,
As I pondered and dreamed
Of becoming what I can,
I hoped to see the day, without delay,
To defend, like my friend!
When I took the oath,
I remembered that man!
How proud he would be
Of his brand new Airman!
I answered the call.
I’ll give it my all!
I will not falter! I will not fail!
I’m a guardian of the tradition of honor!
Fly, fight, and win!
When I hold my little boy,
And think of freedoms he’ll enjoy,
I ponder his destiny.
Yes, it’s hard when I deploy!
But distance cannot destroy
What I love; what I fight so very hard to save!
Generations come and go.
I wish they all could know
How it feels to serve America.
The piece was difficult for the singers, but they practiced hard, and the USAF Heartland of America Band premiered it during an Independence Day concert tour in June and July 2022, including the grand patriotic concert at Mount Rushmore.
A casual comment from one of the singers lingered: “You write for singers like they’re horns!” It is true that most of my compositional experience is with brass instruments. This double brass quintet instrumental rendition of “Legacy of Valor” is indeed a much more musically gratifying composition. It is the way it was supposed to be all along!
Released in 2023 for the 76th birthday of the Air Force, this work and its message are appropriate for any patriotic event, including joint performances between any two brass quintets, civilian or military, American or global. Many stirring meanings can be communicated and celebrated through “Legacy of Valor”!
