Based on a 19th-century school hymn still performed today by students at Rugby Middle School, this composition opens with a fanfare followed by a British-style march. A beautiful, lyrical andante section leads to a restatement of the march. With contrasting dynamics, tempo changes, plenty of independent lines and a tuneful melodic approach this concert or contest composition is perfect for working on musical concepts with young musicians. Duration: 4:30
Program Notes:
Rugby Heritage was commissioned and premiered by Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Anthony Ammons, conductor. The Andante passage is based on Floreat Rugbeia, the school hymn composed in 1870 by Reverend C. E. Moberley of the famed Rugby School (UK). A rousing rendition of the hymn, performed by students and staff of the Rugby School during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhaup27XyAY.
The composition opens with a fanfare that foreshadows the opening motive of Floreat Rugbeia (compare Tpt. 1, m. 1 and m. 31). A stately, British-style march section follows. The march theme is drawn from a second motive of the original tune (compare Tpt. 1, m. 7 and Cl. 1, m. 62). The Andante presents a lyrical, harmonically rich setting of the original tune in its entirety. A brief retransition leads to a varied restatement of the march that brings the composition to a close.
