Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1867

Death

:

1946

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Orchestral

 

Roland Forrest Seitz was an American composer of classical music, born on December 21, 1938, in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Seitz began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the trumpet and French horn. He attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied composition with Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson. Seitz's early compositions were influenced by the works of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. He was particularly interested in writing music for wind ensembles and began composing for these groups while still a student at Eastman. After completing his studies, Seitz worked as a music teacher and band director in various schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Seitz's compositions for wind ensembles quickly gained popularity among music educators and performers. His works were known for their tuneful melodies, rhythmic vitality, and colorful orchestrations. Some of his most popular pieces include "March Grandioso," "Chorale and Shaker Dance," and "Prelude and Fugue in B-flat." In addition to his compositions for wind ensembles, Seitz also wrote music for orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. His works were performed by many professional and amateur groups throughout the United States and abroad. Seitz was also a sought-after clinician and guest conductor, and he frequently worked with school bands and orchestras. Seitz's music was often described as "accessible" and "audience-friendly." He believed that music should be enjoyable and entertaining for both performers and listeners. His compositions were often inspired by American folk music, jazz, and popular music styles. Seitz continued to compose and teach music until his death on March 25, 2018, at the age of 79. His legacy lives on through his many compositions, which continue to be performed by musicians around the world. One of Seitz's most famous works is "Chorale and Shaker Dance," which was composed in 1972. The piece is based on two contrasting themes: a solemn chorale and a lively dance. The chorale is based on the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts," while the dance is an original melody inspired by American folk music. The piece has become a staple of the wind ensemble repertoire and is often performed at music festivals and competitions. Another notable work by Seitz is "March Grandioso," which was composed in 1976. The piece is a traditional march in the style of John Philip Sousa, with a memorable melody and lively rhythms. The piece has been performed by many professional and amateur bands and is often used as a graduation march. Seitz's "Prelude and Fugue in B-flat" is another popular work for wind ensemble. The piece is based on the Baroque form of the prelude and fugue, but with a modern twist. The prelude is a lively and rhythmic piece, while the fugue is a complex and contrapuntal work that showcases the ensemble's technical abilities. Seitz's compositions for wind ensemble have been praised for their accessibility and appeal to both performers and audiences. His works continue to be performed and recorded by many ensembles around the world, and his legacy as a composer and educator lives on.

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