I wanted to let my colleagues in the band world know that I just enjoyed one of the biggest musical thrills of my life.  The President's Own US Marine Band recently performed the premiere of the concert band version of a piece I wrote called "Quiet Heroes".  The work was commissioned a few years ago for symphony orchestra and narrator and tells the story of the flagraisers at Iwo Jima who were immortalized by the monumental Marine Corps War Memorial.  Wilford Brimley narrated the piece which was performed at George Mason University and conducted by Colonel Michael Colburn.  The "bandstration" was created by MSgt Donald Patterson, who did a brilliant job with it.   This 45 minute, 4-movement work, was extremely well received and was a moving experience for the large audience.  Wilford Brimely, also a Marine, is dedicated to performing this piece as much as possible because  it honors all our heroic veterans who serve our country.

It's an exciting piece, and is well-suited to expand concert audiences.  Prior [symphonic] performances have tied into local veteran associations who have been very pleased to be involved with the presentation of Quiet Heroes.  

We hope to get a good recording of the performance, and if so, I will upload it here.

Cheers!
Chris