Role

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Composer

Period

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Contemporary

Genre

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Band

 

 

Chamber

 

John Cheetham was an American composer of classical music, born on September 18, 1939, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a trumpet player and his mother a pianist. Cheetham began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied music at West Chester University and Indiana University. Cheetham's early compositions were influenced by his love for jazz and his experience as a trumpet player. However, he later turned to more traditional classical forms and became known for his works for wind ensemble and brass band. One of Cheetham's most famous works is his "Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble," which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band in 1987. The piece showcases Cheetham's skill as a composer and his understanding of the trumpet as an instrument. The concerto has since become a staple in the trumpet repertoire and is often performed by professional trumpet players around the world. Another notable work by Cheetham is his "Symphony No. 2," which was commissioned by the University of Michigan Symphony Band in 1991. The piece is a tribute to the composer's father, who was a World War II veteran, and features a variety of musical styles and moods. The symphony has been praised for its emotional depth and its ability to connect with audiences. Cheetham also composed several works for brass band, including "A Brass Menagerie" and "Jericho: Rhapsody for Brass Band." These pieces showcase Cheetham's ability to write for a large ensemble and his understanding of the unique sound and capabilities of brass instruments. Throughout his career, Cheetham received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to classical music. He was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Composer Fellowship and was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1996. Cheetham passed away on June 12, 2019, at the age of 79. However, his legacy as a composer and musician lives on through his works, which continue to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.

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