Pageant of Light David Shaffer

Commissioned by the Edison High School Band, Milan, Ohio, this composition is intended to capture the integrity and intensity of Thomas Edison. Opening with an alternating woodwind quintet- brass choir section, it quickly moves into a fanfare and theme exposition. Warm rich harmonies underscore a lyric trumpet solo which begins the slower middle section. A rousing finale brings this composition to its exciting conclusion. Although rhythmically difficult, "Pageant of Light'' is an excellent contest piece.