Azure Sky

Azure Sky was commissioned by saxophonist Christopher Creviston and a consortium of high school band programs including Otsego High School, Mountain Ridge High School and Niskyuna High School.  Christopher and I share common roots in that we both attended Otsego High School and were shaped by its music program.  The prospect of writing a concerto for Christopher and to premiere it in Otsego felt like a long-awaited homecoming; a celebration of a special place that continues to produce outstanding music and musicians.  The title comes from a line in Otsego’s fight song:

On Otsego, on Otsego, be our Battle cry!
Raise the banner, keep it flowing, in the azure sky.

Though it is a simple rally song that may not mean much to anyone except those chanting it at the games, the image of the azure sky was inspiring.  It reflects the spirit of the people in this small town, who are always looking upward and striving for greatness.  The work features the soloist prominently as any good concerto must, but it also features several moments for the band;  A simmering introduction, a climactic moment in the middle section, a moment where the saxophones join the soloist in the acceleration toward the final section, and a victorious pronouncement of the main them just before the final virtuosic solo flourishes.  Azure Sky is dedicated to saxophonist Christopher Creviston and to the music program at Otsego High School, with heartfelt thanks to the consortium partners at Mountain Ridge High School and Niskayuna High School for their artistry and commitment in making this commission possible.