Promising Skies

In late August of 2005, the normally festive skies over the city of New Orleans began to change. As Hurricane Katrina approached the city, the skies promised a weather event of unprecedented proportions. Composer Robert W. Smith was commissioned by the United State Marine Forces Reserve Band of New Orleans to create this symphonic tone poem recreating and commemorating the Katrina experience. Beginning with “Blue Sky,” the jazz of the historic city provides the musical inspiration. Soon, the “Threatening Sky” arrives giving way to the “Raging Sky.” Finally, the “Dawn of a New Sky” brings hope as the city is reborn to share its musical gifts once again.

“Promising Skies” is large work for concert band at the medium advanced level. Using the American art form of jazz as its base along with unusual percussive effects, the piece is a unique and welcome contribution to the repertoire.