Program Notes - Flashbax

Flashbax (2011) was commissioned by the Ohio Private Colleges Instrumental Directors Association to celebrate the life of conductor-educator Dr. William Schlacks (1948-2009), and to commemorate the 25th anniversary of OPCICA, of which Dr. Schlacks was the founding president.

Those who knew Bill Schlacks say he was a man full of life and vibrancy, and that he especially liked concert band music that was fast and energetic. It was suggested music in this style would be a more suitable tribute to him than a slow elegy, so the composer has aimed toward music that is an up-tempo whirlwind of energy.  

In addition, the composer has sought to honor Dr. Schlacks, OPCICA, and the world of concert bands, by creating original music around a series of reverberations from, or glimpses into, or memories of, the great band literature of the past (the flashbacks). The alert listener will catch a few notes here and a few notes there from a number of the “classic” band works—echoes, if you will, that reverberate ever in the musical memories of those who know and love the concert band literature.