Onward, Grow (2023)
Commissioned by Dr. Matthew McCutchen for the 2023 University of South Florida Festival of Winds In Celebration of Dr. William Wiedrich’s Retirement
Onward, Grow (NotePerformer rendition)
Onward, Grow (Live at Festival of Winds)
Program Notes
Onward, Grow is dedicated to Dr. William (Bill) Wiedrich in honor of his retirement from the University of South Florida. I had the great privilege of playing bassoon under Dr. Wiedrich’s baton for most of my undergraduate career at USF, and I can say with certainty that he is one of the most gifted, beloved, and inspiring music educators I have ever had the pleasure of working with. For me and countless other young musicians, he challenged us with substantial repertoire, moved us to show up every day as better musicians and humans, and planted in us a lifelong love of making music. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Wiedrich’s legacy will not only be measured and felt in the lives of those he taught, but those that his students go on to teach as well.
Naturally, I thought the best musical tribute I could make to Dr. Wiedrich is that of a musical garden. You will hear the piece begin with a melodic fragment borrowed from the USF Alma Mater (along with other easter eggs throughout). Consider this a seed that is planted; building from a low, earthy bass and reaching upwards. The music grows, multiplies, and culminates in a loud bloom of tall chords articulated around the ensemble. As the chords fade, rising bass from previously in the piece signifies the growth cycle begins again.
Congratulations, Dr. Wiedrich! Thank you for helping me and so many others grow into the musicians we are today.
The piece title - Onward, Grow - is a mashup of text from the USF Alma Mater (excerpt shown below):
Alma Mater, Hail to thee!
Be our guide to truth and wisdom,
As we onward go.
May thy glory, fame, and honor
Never cease to grow.
- Susanna Hancock (2023)