Bright Gleams a Beacon

Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Frank Tracz as director of bands at Kansas State University and the university's own 150th anniversary, Gillingham used fragments of the school's alma mater to craft a delightful and challenging Grade 3 work for symphonic band. Bright Gleams a Beacon is sure to be a memorable experience for students and audience members alike.

Program Notes

Bright Gleams a Beacon, commissioned by Kansas State University and Kansas State University Bands, honors Frank Tracz in his 20th year as Director of Bands and the 150th year celebration of Kansas State University. The title is taken from the first line of the third verse of the Kansas State University Alma Mater by H. W. Jones (Bright gleams a beacon across life’s sea...). Professor Tracz has been a “beacon” as a mentor to hundreds of music students over the past 20 years and the University has been a “beacon” of knowledge to thousands of students over the past 150 years.

The work celebrates the achievements of both the University and Frank Tracz by using the Kansas State Alma Mater as the centerpiece of thematic material supplemented with other celebratory motives by the composer.

Selected as a 2014 J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice!

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2014
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 7:30

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Contrabassoon
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
(TC Baritone)
Tuba

Piano

Timpani (4)
Percussion 1 (Bells, Xylophone, Crotales)
Percussion 2 (Chimes, Marimba)
Percussion 3 (Xylophone, Vibraphone, Crash Cymbals)
Percussion 4 (Hi-Hat, 4 Toms)
Percussion 5 (Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam)