Program Notes

American Overture for Band

Joseph Willcox Jenkins, composer

American Overture for Band was written for the U. S. Army Field Band and dedicated to its conductor at the time, Chester E. Whiting. The piece is written in a neo-modal style flavored strongly with both Lydian and Mixolydian modes. The musical material borders on the folk tune idiom although there are no direct quotes from any folk songs. The work calls for near virtuoso playing by some sections, especially the French horns, and is a favorite of advanced high school and university bands. American Overture for Band was Jenkins' first band piece, yet it remains his most successful work.

—Band Music Notes

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