Meechan Music Soul Divine -cb- Meechan (gr.3.5)

Author/Composer:

MEECHAN, PETER

Instrumentation:

CONCERT BAND

Grade/Level:

3.5

Model #:

PMM121

Composer: Peter Meechan
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: 3.5

From the Gelinas family:

"David Gelinas was a grade 10 student at Dr. Martin LeBoldus Catholic High School in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. On May 2, 1992, he was tragically killed in a car accident. David was an accomplished tenor saxophone player and member of the LeBoldus Concert Band, multiple Jazz Bands and the Regina Lions Junior Band. He dreamt of a future in music at McGill University.

In the 25 years since his death, David's family and friends have embraced life, the importance of family, and a love of music. This piece is dedicated to the memory our son, brother, uncle, student, and friend, David Gelinas. Always in our hearts and minds, David's love of music plays on."

Chad Huel, Director of Bands at LeBoldus Catholic High School, Regina, Saskatchewan, approached me to write a new work for the school's symphonic band in memory of his friend, David Gelinas. Chad spoke of his friend's love of music and life, the time they spent together, his skills as a tenor saxophonist, and how his life was cut so tragically short.

Before writing this piece, I was reading the William Blake poem Auguries of Innocence. Contained in that poem were the following words, which seemed so beautifully poignant and appropriate, and hopefully encapsulates something about grief, as well as celebration of life.

"Joy & Woe are woven fine
A Clothing for the soul divine
Under every grief & pine
Runs a joy with silken twine"

Soul Divine is dedicated to Chad Huel and the Gelinas family, in memory of David Gelinas.