The Exhilaration of Being Loved

There are times when I seek out bands because I want to write. Northland Christian School's Blazer Band, however, caught me by surprise. While listening to bands at the Midwest Music Festival, I saw and heard the Blazer Band, and said to myself, "I need to write for this ensemble!" That idea was solidified in June 2023 that I would write a piece for them on their 2023-24 school theme, to be determined. In July 2023, a mentor challenged me to "find a way to be myself" in whatever I composed, which is often imitational polyphony. When I said, "Most people cannot do that," the mentor responded, "Find a way!" Four months later, I believe I have found a way, utilizing the strengths of the Blazer Band with the size of a standard Grade 2 ensemble to create a unique, polyphonic effect. As far as the title goes, it is a synthesis of the original musical ideas and the school theme for the year, "Love Well." Being curious how thrilling film-like music would fit the context, I tried different ideas until I considered the emotional rollercoasters in sacrificial love that is often missed in cultural discussions. I wanted to highlight to middle- and high-school students how unpredictable love can be emotionally, and that it is more of an exhilarating rollercoaster ride rather than a consistent emotional high. I hope this piece, too, helps you to contemplate the concept of love, as described in the Bible, as well as Greek philosophy and other sources of wisdom.