Ring the Bell

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June of 2022. As my friend Chad Dempsey would say, "you joined the club that no one wants to join.cancer patient". Indeed, this is not the "club" I would have chosen, yet I have found overwhelming grace, kindness and patience from my students, family, colleagues, and folks across the country. I must thank my wife Erica for her care, not only of me during treatments and recovery and her incredible support of our two children, but also her help in running the NIU Huskie Marching Band and the NIU Wind Ensemble. Her work with both ensembles truly made all the difference. Chad Dempsey continues to inspire me with his relentless positivity, and his faith in my work as a composer. A huge thanks is owed to Dr. Saul Torres, who was kind enough to offer the premiere of "Ring the Bell" at TMEA in February of 2023 with his band from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The title of the piece was inspired by a poem found in many cancer treatment centers, which reads: "Ring this Bell, 3 times well, its' toll to clearly say: My treatment's done, this course is run, and I am on my way". A chime will sound periodically throughout the piece, in honor of all those who have walked the path of cancer before, and who are walking alongside me right now. My mother's favorite hymn, "Morning has Broken", is woven throughout the piece, to represent hope, and healing, and the start of a new day. This music is for all of us!