This was my first work ever for a large ensemble. I had been playing trumpet with the Freedom Brass Band of Northeast Ohio under the direction at the time of Robert D. Jorgensen. I spoke with him about wanting to write something for the group and he, as always, encouraged me to do so. I decided to arrange one of my favorite hymns, Fairest Lord Jesus, also known by the name Beautiful Savior. The original tune comes from a Silesian folk song and was first used widely as a hymn tune in the mid-19th century. The tune and harmonies themselves lend very well to a brass ensemble. Adding the fanfare embellishments seemed a natural process and makes this a great concert opener or closer with an impressive start and powerful finish sure to wow the audience.