Life Unto the Age
for Concert Band
Life Unto the Age was written to grieve the loss and celebrate the love of our furry family members.
A special thanks belongs to Consortium Director Darla McBryde for her choice to trade beauty for ashes in the commissioning of this work, which will bring hope and solace to many.
When the sun rises, it begins a new day. And when it sets, it marks the end of the day. The events are so similar, and are only differentiated by the position of the viewer.
In the same way, the beginning and ending of life are very similar. To us on earth, death looks like death. But for the pet who died, the one now in the position of eternity…it is life. The term Life Unto the Age, translated from the Greek “aionios zoe”, is an age describing life itself. The term communicates the idea of being fully alive, and can encompass this state in both earth and heaven.
Our pets have a way of practicing “aionios zoe” daily by living life to the fullest. In doing so they remind us of the things that matter most, namely: loyalty, family, friendship, and chiefly – unconditional love. This work is dedicated to them.
Reference Recording
Premiere Performance
Performance by Darla McBryde and the Sam Houston State University Symphonic Band
Additional Materials
Studio Play Along Tracks
The tracks below are recorded by our team of studio musicians. You can use them to listen and play along. The tracks include a metronome at performance tempo, the full band playing softly, and your part. Feel free to download with the button on the right.
Grade 3.5 Tracks
Grade 3 Tracks
Composer Videos
I created these videos to help you, your students, and your audience to get to know me and Life Unto the Age a little better!
Concert Introduction
Introduction to Performers
Tutorial Videos
The tutorial videos below were made to help students learn some of the instrument specific techniques in Life Unto the Age.
Cabasa Tutorial Video
Life Unto the Age, Percussion 4, Measures 25-46
Oboe G-Bb Tremelo Tutorial
Life Unto the Age, Oboe, Measure 38