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The 2024 Civitas Consortium Project

Composers
JAMES M. DAVID and KEVIN POELKING

Two complementary new works for concert band from award-winning composers who are intimately familiar with the needs of the metropolitan, civic, and community band

Piece #1
Green Whispers

Kevin Poelking

Grade 3-4 Difficulty

3-5 minutes

This work will focus on the often overlooked patches of nature that are present in even our most urban settings. A solitary tree, a small garden, or a cluster of grass can hold great beauty.

 

This music will be composed and orchestrated with the goal of sounding strong on the first read-through for tight rehearsal schedules or for those who will need to commit more rehearsal time to Piece #2.

 

At the same same time, the music will be artistically mature with thoughtful, musical substance and an overall consideration for the need of music at this difficulty level that does not feel "academic" or as though it is marketed to young musicians.

 

Impressionist and minimalist influences throughout with fresh harmonies. Cues throughout for those with limited instrumentation.​​​​​

Kevin-015.jpg
Kevin Poelking
  • Winner, 2024 The American Prize

  • Winner, 2024 WASBE International Composition Competition

  • 2022 Finalist, NBA Revelli Award

  • Winner, 2019 Dallas Winds Fanfare Competition

  • Winner, 2020 Minot Symphony Orchestra Young Composer Competition

  • Commissions with ensembles from 4th grade through professional

  • Intimate knowledge of composing from the viewpoint of an accomplished conductor with performances with The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", community, university, and academic ensembles

Read his full bio here...

Previous works in this category:

Light Descending

Refractions​

The Clouds Are Near

Previous works in a similar style:

For When We Arrive

(string orchestra version)​

Distant Promises

(trombone choir)

Piece #2
Electric 
Dawn

James M. David

Grade 4.5/ 5 Difficulty

5-7 minutes

Exciting, colorful and dynamic, Electric Dawn will depict a retro-futuristic cityscape of the "tomorrow that never was" inspired by great science fiction writers of the 20th century.

 

Featuring winds, brass and percussion equally, this piece should serve well as either a dramatic opener or closer. With an overall energetic tone, a contrasting lyrical section, and a hopefully thrilling finale, the work aspires to be the centerpiece of an audience friendly program.

  • Will NOT include second oboe, English horn, contrabassoon, or harp.​​​

  • Any double reed solos will be cued as needed.

  • Standard instrumentation for wind ensemble/symphonic band.

  • String bass and contrabass clarinet parts included but optional.​

James M David composer wind band music grade 3 grade 4 grade 5 consortium community band c
James M. David
  • Winner, 2022 NBA Revelli Award

  • 3-time Finalist, ABA Ostwald Award (2018,2019, 2023)

  • ASCAP Morton Gould Award, NBA Merrill Jones Award

  • Performances at Midwest Clinic, CBDNA Nationals, WASBE, ABA, BOA Grand Nationals, DCI Finals and over 100 total conferences

  • Collaborations with The US Air Force, Army and Navy Band, the Dallas Winds, North Texas Wind Symphony, over 20 all-state bands

  • Twenty years of commissions for wind band and orchestra, middle school through professional

​​​

Read his full bio here...

Previous works in this category:

Flying Jewels

Urban Light

Consortium Details​

While anyone can join, both of these works will be written with the unique characteristics of metropolitan, civic, and community bands in mind.

These works will be musically mature without extreme technical demands, filling the need for music at these difficulty levels for patient, experienced musicians who may have limited practice time.

Instrumentation will be standard concert band with appropriate cues written in order facilitate successful performances by a variety of ensembles.​​​​

What you receive:
  • Your name will appear in the score as a consortium member who made this project possible

  • Score and parts delivered August 1, 2025​

  • Exclusive performance rights (piece available to only consortium members) through May 1, 2026

Ensemble Rate: $250
(both pieces)

Your choice of physical score or PDF score + PDF parts.

You and your ensemble will be listed in the score.

Conductor Rate: $100
(both pieces)

Join the consortium as an individual.
Your choice of physical score or PDF. (No parts)
Have your name listed in the score as a supporter of this project. Parts can be purchased separately by any ensemble you will conduct on this work.

Join the Consortium

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Consortium Member Information

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Option #1
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Payment indicates that you have read and understand the "Overall Consortium Guidelines" outlined above.

Join Consortium for BOTH WORKS

Join Consortium for Poelking (Piece #1) Work Only

$125

Join Consortium for David

(Piece #2) Work Only

$175

(Payment Method #2)
Request Invoice and/or W9
(No need to do this section if you purchased via the "Join" button above.)

Thank you. We will be in touch soon!

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