Alias Press Isabella Air - Brooks - Concert Band - Gr. 4

Author/Composer:

BROOKS, BJ

Instrumentation:

CONCERT BAND

Genre:

FESTIVAL

Grade/Level:

4.0

Model #:

495-00137

Composer: BJ Brooks
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Level: 4

"Isabella Air" was inspired by a poignant moment in Dr. Gary
Garner's life. During a trip to his late wife's (Mariellen Garner
1931-1994) hometown with his sons (their entire family-flautists),
Gary paused to collect sand in a pill bottle. When he returned
home, he found himself staring at the bottle, contemplating opening
it. However, after a moment of reflection, a profound realization
struck him -- this wasn't just sand; it held something far more
precious to him. In a quiet, introspective moment, he whispered to
himself, "No, I can't open that. It has Isabella air in it."


"Isabella Air" explores the themes of love, loss, and the profound
significance of memory. As many have, I too have been transported
in memory when listening to music. Sometimes it seems that the
memories are so close, with just a little more effort, you can just
touch them. This piece was written for just that, a collection of
sounds that serves as a vehicle to transport the mind through
space and time, to a place, a person, a moment. The interplay of
sounds mirrors Gary's internal dialogue, creating a reflective
musical narrative that honours the sentiment encapsulated in that
unopened pill bottle of Isabella air.
Duration: 7:00