From A Distance

Composer(s) / Arranger(s): John Meehan

Performance Time: 3:56  |  Grade: 4  |  Style: Contemporary

In the summer of 2020, having a good suspicion that the COVID-19 pandemic was going to sideline regular rehearsals and performances for the coming Diablo Wind Symphony season, John Maltester reached out to me with a few ideas on how to make the season memorable and special for the participants. First, he asked if I would be interested in working with the group via the Zoom rehearsals, as well as writing a piece we could debut in a virtual concert with their amazing students. My answer to working with the group was immediately a yes, and as to writing a piece, I couldn’t wait to get started! John Maltester suggested writing something that would convey the emotions and feelings of the 2020/2021, mainly not being together as a group and creating music together. I believe John actually pitched the title “From a Distance” in our initial meeting.
 
"From a Distance" begins with the main melody, in a somewhat melancholy tone, similar to how we all felt in the fall of 2020. The piece then quickly transitions into a more driving and upbeat feel, representing the hopes of getting back to doing all of the great things we know and love. Finally, we come to the ending, where we once again hear that opening melody, but this time, in a grand full band orchestration.
 
Writing "From a Distance", as well as working on it with the students of the Diablo Wind Symphony, and then editing the audio and video for the final concert, was very therapeutic for me during in all of our lives with so much uncertainty.