The interconnection between band directors, composers and conductors often showcases the camaraderie of our industry, really cool collaborations and poignant, exquisitely performed work.
Recently Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Virginia Commonwealth University Dr. Terry Austin retired, bringing to an end a 48-year career in band direction, 36 spent at VCU. To honor the occasion and his immense contributions to music education, VCU alumni, under Dr. Austin’s direction, performed Saiai No Sensei composed by Gary P. Gilroy in a retirement concert in VCU's Concert Hall on June 11.
Saiai No Sensei was commissioned in May 2020 by Emily M. Oyan, Band Director of the Lloyd C. Bird High School Skyhawk Band, Richmond, Virginia as a tribute to Austin who impactfully mentored her for nearly two decades. Director Oyan contacted Dr. Gilroy to commission the piece to honor her mentor, teacher, adviser and friend.
In the collaboration of the composition, Dr. Gilroy and Director Oyan wanted to honor Dr. Austin’s love of Japan and Japanese culture. Dr. Austin has guest conducted and lectured for three rotations at the Musashino Academia Musicae, a Japanese Music Conservatory in Tokyo which invites Americans to guest conduct with their top Wind Ensemble. In discussing concepts, Dr. Gilroy was inspired by Taiko drumming and created elements in the piece to represent the beautiful music of Japan and the Japanese people whom Dr. Austin has become extremely passionate about teaching.
Composer of Saiai No Sensei Gary P. Gilroy was very pleased to be commissioned for the second time by Emily M. Oyan and the Lloyd C. Bird High School Skyhawk Band. An earlier work, Always With Grace was commissioned in 2008 and published in 2009.