About the piece:

Wake Up and Focus! is about conquering the everyday hurdles we go through. From getting up in the morning to working through burnout, learning to focus on daily tasks can lead to a cleaner way of life that keeps us from feeling overwhelmed. The piece starts in a sluggish mood with solos in clarinet and flute. After the melody is restated by the rest of the band, the work then picks up steam and that same melody is now told with a more motivated character by high winds with rhythmic accompaniment. One final push of the melody, now with strong bouts of determination and intensity, the piece completes the journey. Today has been conquered; however tomorrow is another day.

Performance History:

~November 15, 2023, Virginia Music Educators Association Conference, Shelburne Middle School, Jon Wilson-Conductor