Affirmation and Credo Claude T. Smith

was dedicated to the Southwest Mo. State University Concert Band under the direction of Robert Scott. It was commissioned by the delta Rho Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at SMSU. Originally entitled "Symphonic Prelude", it premiered on May 2, 1978, by the Southwest Missouri State University Concert Band, Springfield, MO, with Robert Scott conducting. The work opens with a slow, powerful statement and builds thoughout with extensive repetition of rhythms and thematic fragments.