Wingert-Jones Publications Hollingsworth Celebration - Sheldon - Concert Band - Gr. 4.5

• Composer/Author: SHELDON, ROBERT
• Instrumentation: CONCERT BAND
• Genre: OVERTURE/OPENER
• Grade/Level: 4.5
• Model # SBW2504

Composer: Robert Sheldon
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert band
Grade: 4.5

This dynamic Grade 4.5 concert overture, crafted to honor the distinguished Hollingsworth Winds, is a captivating composition that blends fanfares, energetic rhythms, and lyrical melodies. It promises an exhilarating musical journey that echoes the spirit of pieces such as Flight of the Piasa, Southwest Saga, and Manatee Lyric Overture.


In June of 2023, an old friend from my Florida band directing days, Ivan Wansley, invited me to be part of a project he was planning with his community band, the Hollingsworth Winds of Polk County. His plan was to have a concert that would be called "A Night of World Premieres with a Few Oldies". I was so pleased he asked me to be a part of it as I was able to fill two roles simultaneously providing a new piece to premiere, and by actually being one of the "Oldies"!

The resulting piece is entitled A Hollingsworth Celebration and is indeed a celebratory piece intended to honor this fine ensemble along with attempting to meet Ivan's request of writing a piece that was (in his words) "Flight of the Piasa meets Southwest Saga meets Manatee Lyric Overture". While I am not sure this piece is very much like any of those pieces I wrote so many years ago, it is a grade 4 concert overture in an A/B/A format that includes fanfares, fast-paced rhythmic phrases, and lyrical, melodic moments, which is an apt description of the three pieces he referenced. Regardless, I am so happy with the result, and hope that the Hollingsworth Winds finds this to be a piece they are proud to call their own.