Dedication and Festival

Composed in honor of the memory of Ray Wofford who directed the high school band in Wilmington, Ohio, for many years. His commitment to young musicians was legendary and the dramatic and majestic opening pays tribute to a life well-lived by a man who gave so much to his students. Fragments of his favorite hymn, Amazing Grace, are used throughout before the final and exhilarating close brings about a sense of joy celebrating the personality and energy he dedicated to the teaching profession.