Written to celebrate the life of the composer’s black Labrador retriever, Sophie presents a beautiful, melancholy melody and fills it with lush harmonies and countermelodies.

Sample Score

Program Notes

Sophie was my black Labrador retriever. She was "my girl" and got me through the most difficult time in my life. She was a "princess" and we had our daily routines. It came to the point that she couldn't walk anymore and I had to "put her down." I had to write a sad, but pretty piece to help me grieve.

The dedication comes from my posting a photo of Sophie on my Facebook page after she was gone. My band director friend, Stephanie Scheibe was looking at my page when her son, Isaiah saw the picture and said "whose puppy is that?" She told him it was "Dr. Jack's puppy" to which Isaiah said "can we visit them?" Stephanie explained to him that Sophie had to be put to sleep upon which Isaiah went into his room and came out with a black stuffed animal dog and said "let's give this to Dr. Jack since he is sad."

She truly was "man's best friend."

Instrumentation

Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
(Baritone TC)
Tuba

Piano (optional)

Timpani (4 drums)
Chimes & Suspended Cymbal
Bells & Wind Chimes
Vibraphone & Suspended Cymbal