Decorah HS Band is continuing its tradition of commissioning original music

The Decorah Band Department has established a "Commissioned Works Fund" with the sole purpose of funding commissioned musical works for the band department. This project will leave a legacy for future band students, encourage quality composition for the high school and middle school band idiom and surround students with the art of musical composition.

The first work commissioned was in memory of Jim's father, Louie Fritz. The work "Little Fantasy on an American Hymn" was based on the Robert Lowry hymn, "How Can I Keep from Singing" and was composed by David Holsinger.

"Little Fantasy on an American Hymn" was premiered by the Decorah High School Wind Ensemble in February of 2008. This piece was commissioned by the Gall family (Liz Fritz's family) as a memorial to Jim's father, Louis Fritz.

During the course of time waiting for the piece to be written, Jim and Liz lost a very dear friend and vocal music colleague, Lynette Wilson, to acute liver failure. This same hymn was also sung at her funeral by a choir of students and alumni from her 25-year teaching career. In the middle of the band composition, there is a section for vocal solo. This was added at the request of the Fritz family, honoring Lynette Wilson. There is also an
option for a trumpet solo if that is preferred.    

During the 2013-2014 school year Steve Shanley from Coe College in Cedar Rapids was asked to be the composer-in-residence.  He started with an arrangement of Stevie Wonder tunes for the DHS Marching Band.

In November, there were visits from several composers of the music performed in the fall concert. Lane Powell and Bruce Pearson spent time with Decorah Middle School band students, working with the bands and talking about composing. In December there was a partnership with Luther College composition students who are writing pieces for both high school bands. This has allowed the students to see the composition process in action. These pieces were premiered and performed at concerts on March 7th.  The 6th Grade band also hopes to collaborate with composer Sam Hazo to learn more about his music.

In May both 5th and 6th grade bands and the High School Wind Ensemble will premiere several other pieces. Dr. Tony Guzman will share his work  "With Unending Spirit" in remembrance of band member Kellie Sharp. Contributions to fund this effort are still being taken.

History of Commission Projects
2003 - Landscapes - Ben Kirby
2004 - March for a Celebration - Bruce Pearson
    The Thunder and the Roar - Pierre La Plante
2006 - Ray! Marching Band Show - Music of Ray Charles - Steve Shanley
2007 -Little Fantasy on an American Hymn - David Holsinger
2008 - Beatles Love Marching Band Show - Steve Shanley
2012 - Enchanted Spaces - Samuel Hazo
2013 - Grit, Love and Groove - The Music of Stevie Wonder Marching Band Show--Steve Shanley
2014 - The Legend of Tizona - Rick Kirby
    Through the Eye of the Dragon - Rick Kirby
    Say What? - Michael Golemo
    Grandma's Buns (Jazz Band) - Steve Shanley
    Viking Blues (Jazz Band) - Steve Shanley
    Sargasso Sea - Dylan Carlson
    Lunch Meet - Kim Osberg
    Concert Band Pieces for 5th Grade Band and 6th Grade Band - Steve Shanley