The new da Capo Brass release From the Beginning is filled with music from contemporary composers —the earliest piece is an arrangement from 1973— but the ensemble also has recordings of three new works they commissioned themselves! The first of these was The Protagonist from composer Justin D. Wright (which we shared with you earlier) and today we are introducing composer R. Kevin Paul and his work Appalachian Hymnsong with you!
Appalachian Hymnsong
Appalachian Hymnsong, commissioned by da Capo Brass, is a lyrical instrumental soundscape for brass quintet evoking imagery of the great American Appalachian Mountains. Although the title may suggest that the work is derived from American folk tunes, the composition’s melodic and harmonic structure is wholly original. The expressive goal of this pastoral setting is to vividly evoke the mountains’ majestic beauty and colorful hues, with each voice delivering melodic lines and elements characteristic of early American music. Listeners have applauded the work, stating that its melodies “feel natural, sound familiar,” and that the music is “refreshing” and compelling.” Like most of Kevin Paul’s works for brass quintet, Appalachian Hymnsong provides each instrument the opportunity for individual solo expression. The horn gets particular exposure, given its function of unifying the entire piece — just as the Appalachian range connects all of the eastern United States. The work truly pays homage to one of America’s most beautiful landscapes.
R. Kevin Paul, a Virginia native born in 1971, earned his B.M. degree in Education from Radford University in 1993 where he conducted several university ensembles and performed as a trumpeter in most, including a nominated undergraduate honors recital.
Mr. Paul earned the first M.M. degree in Conducting Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996 where he served as Director of the University Band and Pep Band, graduate teaching assistant for the Wind Ensemble, and interim graduate teaching assistant for the Choral Arts Society. He also served as principal trumpet of the VCU Symphony & Opera Orchestras.
Mr. Paul served the Richmond Community as a member of several brass quintets, Principal Trumpet of the Richmond Philharmonic, Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Richmond Symphonic Winds, and trumpeter with the Petersburg Symphony and other chamber ensembles. He founded the Richmond Brass Consort, Richmond’s only large brass & percussion ensemble, and was its Conductor/Music Director until he left Richmond in 2000.
Since 1989, Kevin Paul has been teaching music to students at all levels, from elementary to graduate school, both publicly and privately. He was the trumpet instructor for the RU Community Arts School and the VCU Community School for the Performing Arts. He has served as a middle school Band Director in the Virginia Public Schools; and part-time member of the music faculties of SweetBriar College (Va) and Lynchburg College (Va) where he was Trumpet Instructor and Director of the Brass Ensemble. He has conducted several high school and middle school bands and has adjudicated many festivals, competitions, and entrance auditions. He has composed works for Concert Band and Brass Ensemble, and has arranged over 90 works for Brass Quintet and Brass Ensemble.
Mr. Paul was the Conductors Guild’s Executive Director from 2000 until his departure in 2006 to become a full-time dad. He lives in Lynchburg, Va with his wife, Kathleen and son, Noah.
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