Commissioned by the United Township High School Band (IL)
Premiere: November 10th, 2022
This commission was put together in memory of Mr. Greg Bartleson (1953-2019). A dedicated band parent throughout his daughters’ time in the band program, Mr. Bartleson was our caravan driver and leader, Band President Representative with the UT Booster Club, prop builder, and overall community man known throughout East Moline and its surrounding towns. Mr. Bartleson gave well over two decades of his time and energy loading, unloading, working a concession stand, or helping a young band director transition to the well-established program that his daughters and community were accustomed to. The most public facing aspect of many high school programs is the marching band – so I decided to hire Craig Fitzpatrick, a composer well known for both the football field and the concert hall, to commission the work. Mr. Fitzpatrick wrote many of the shows that his daughters performed.
Greg’s favorite piece of music was the Pentatonix’s setting of “Hallelujah” – so within “A Beautiful Protest” are quotes from the lyric’s tonal guidance, “the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift.” We also recognized the fun bold melodies that the Marching Panthers would often perform during his time in this lovely grade 3.5 work for band.
This piece is a recognition of the countless hours that are given not just by students and directors, but by all of the parents and guardians who sacrifice.
– Program Notes from conductor
