Kevin McKee, "Centennial Horizons"

Centennial Horizons

I. Aspen Grove

Interlude – Aspenglow

II. Roaring Gunnison

Kevin McKee

Born: 1980, Yreka, California

Composed: 2012

Arranged: Kevin McKee, David Miller

Original Instrumentation: Trumpet and Piano

Duration: 12 minutes

The composer writes,

When Catherine Sheridan first wrote to me about composing a piece for trumpet and piano, my first thoughts were of my late grandmother, Gertrude, who was always suggesting that I write a piece with Colorado as the subject. She loved that state. And while she lived most of her life in California, she always longed to go back to Colorado amongst the quaking aspens, the mountains, the rivers, and the vibrant colors. I have at last taken her up on her suggestion referencing the “Centennial State,” a nickname given to Colorado for being inducted into the Union one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. With two contrasting movements (Aspen Grove and Roaring Gunnison), connected by an interlude (Aspenglow), I have attempted to capture some of the beauty and adventure of what truly is an amazing place. The first movement in particular is an homage to her.

Centennial Horizon was later arranged for wind ensemble and solo trumpet at the behest of a consortium of university and community wind ensembles, including the University of Maryland Wind Orchestra and the Maryland Community Band.

Kevin McKee, Centennial Horizion

Atlanta Wind Symphony, David Kelher, conductor

Douglas Lindsey, trumpet

Kevin McKee, Centennial Horizion

Christopher Wilson, trumpet

Lauren Schack Clark, piano

Additional Resources:

- Kevin McKee Bio (KevinMcKeeMusic.com)

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