Common Ground

Fanfare for Common Ground and Unum on Common Ground

United States Air Force Band of the Golden West
Major Joseph Hansen, Commander and Conductor

Commission: Fanfare for Common Ground and Unum were commissioned by the USAF Band of the Golden West in fall 2020.

Common Ground was recorded in spring 2021 and is available from the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West.
To request a copy of this album, please contact the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West directly:

Fanfare for Common Ground

For Brass and Percussion

Video Production: MSgt Patrick Brush, USAF Band of the Golden West

2023 Honorable Mention for The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award
2023 National Finalist for The American Prize in Wind Ensemble Composition

PROGRAM NOTES

Fanfare for Common Ground evokes the simple and enduring ideals of equality, unity, and shared humanity to which our nation aspires. It seeks to inspire hope that we will arise together as one to overcome the persistent, societal injustices that conflict with these ideals.

This fanfare was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. It is dedicated with gratitude to all who have sacrificed in pursuit of these ideals and to those who will yet lead us to achieve them.

3 minutes | Brass & Percussion (4.3.3.1 / Timp. 2 Perc.) | 2020

Commissioned: United States Air Force Band of the Golden West

Broadcast Premiere: Classical Discoveries, WPRB Princeton University, December 2022.

Unum

For Brass Quintet

2023 National Finalist for The American Prize in Instrumental Chamber Music Composition

Program Notes

Unum is a meditation on the tragic loss of life in the ongoing global health crisis and a reflection on the selfless actions of so many in response to it. Composed in two movements, Unum seeks to evoke the spirit of unity that humanity has found in this moment.

The slow, quiet first movement memorializes the pandemic’s victims through plaintive melodies and poignant solo lines. The bright, energetic second movement’s heroic leaps and bold fanfare figures celebrate the contributions of dedicated responders and the spontaneous outpouring of compassion by people everywhere.

This quintet was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. It is dedicated with gratitude to all those united in the fight against the global pandemic and solemn remembrance of its victims around the world.

9 minutes | Brass Quintet (2 Tpts., Hn., Tbn., Tba.) | 2020

Commissioned: United States Air Force Band of the Golden West

Broadcast Premiere: Classical Discoveries, WPRB Princeton University, December 2023.