Boanerges, for Tuba/Euph Ensemble or Trombone Choir

Click to Listen: Boanerges

Velvet Brown, tuba extraordinaress, told me something in the year 2000 A.D. that would make any composer of any stature smile. “Write the studio something and we’ll play it.” Being a campus minister at that time, I drew inspiration from the following scripture:

Mark 3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them

Click to Listen: Boanerges

Velvet Brown, tuba extraordinaress, told me something in the year 2000 A.D. that would make any composer of any stature smile. “Write the studio something and we’ll play it.” Being a campus minister at that time, I drew inspiration from the following scripture:

Mark 3:17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”)

The sound of thunder I knew could be truly represented by a collection of euphonium and tubas easily. It was an honor to write for her studio.

Several years later, Richard White, another tubist of pure awesomeness, and I were talking about Tuba/Euph ensemble music. I had mentioned that I needed to rewrite “Boanerges,” develop it more and make it longer. He also said those words a composer wants to here, “Send it to us and we’ll play it.”

I thoroughly enjoyed recomposing this piece. I believe that “Boarnerges,” though difficult, will be a rewarding experience for the Tuba/Euph ensemble.