Unum

For Brass Quintet

Unum on Common Ground

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

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

International Call for Scores Winner: 2025 New Music on the Bayou Festival, Monroe, LA

Premiere: 2025 New Music on the Bayou Music Festival, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Monroe, LA, June 7, 2025

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.

Unum and Fanfare for Common Ground (Brass & Percussion) are available on Common Ground (2022 double album).

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

Common Ground 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: