Through Courageous Eyes - Brian Balmages

This innovative work makes use of an optional piano part that is most likely playable by someone already in the band. It was written in honor of Matt Rhodes, a student at John T. Baker Middle (Damascus, MD), who passed away during a battle with spina bifida. It represents his kindness, courage, and determination despite his confinement to a wheelchair. An opening ethereal section and chorale moves into an exciting portrayal of life which concludes with a humorous ending that was very characteristic of Matt. A very musical new composition which teaches much more than notes.