D15/156 Concert Band Festival - MCHS Concert Band

Beautiful River by Rev. Robert Lowry, Arranged by Carol Brittin Chambers
Rising from the Earth by Adrian B. Sims

Beautiful River (2011): “Shall We Gather at the River” is a traditional Christian hymn, written by American pastor and gospel music composer Robert Lowry (1826-1899).

One hot afternoon in July 1864, as Pastor Lowry was resting on his sofa, visions of heaven pervaded his senses. He saw the bright golden throne room and a multitude of saints gathered around the beautiful, cool, crystal, river of life. He was filled with a sense of great joy. He began to wonder why there seemed to be many hymns that referenced the river of death, but very few that mentioned the river of life. As he mused, the words and music to this hymn came to his heart and mind.

“Shall We Gather at the River” has become a favorite song of Southern camp meetings, water baptismal services and funerals.

This particular arrangement was a gift from Professor Chambers (Texas Lutheran University) to the family Of Professor Linda Clark (1943-2009). The arrangement was performed at a TLU concert in celebration of Linda’s Life.
Carol Brittin Chambers (1970-), composer and arranger, is currently the composer and owner of Aspenwood Music and a highly sought-after conductor and clinician. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, where she is also on the music faculty at Texas Lutheran University, teaching composition and serving as Composer in Residence.

She was named the winner of the 2019 WBDI (Women Band Directors International) Composition Competition and most recently joined the Conn Selmer Educational Team as an Educational Clinician.

Chambers has arranged and orchestrated show music for numerous high school marching bands across the country, as well as The Crossmen DrumCorps.

Before coming to TLU, Chambers taught middle school and high school band and private lessons for many years in the North East Independent School District, San Antonio, TX. She has also consistently performed with groups such as the Mid-Texas and San Antonio Symphonies.

Chambers received a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Tech University. She studied under Vincent Cichowicz, Will Strieder, John Paynter, Arnold Jacobs, and James Sudduth.

-Bio adapted from Composer
Rising from the Earth (2024): Imagine witnessing the formation of Earth’s largest natural superstructures. This music is inspired by massive rocks rising from the ground to create the tallest mountains on Earth and the breathtaking terrain that exists today.

The sounds of rocks colliding, represented by the first notes, set the piece in motion. Following this, the music calms for a moment as a solo horn introduces the main theme. As surrounding chords continue to build tension, the tempo hastens as more powerful formations take place. Volcanic eruptions and impulsive outbursts occur throughout, often echoed by softer passages that lead us right back to moments of high intensity.

After numerous passages that rise and fall, we finally arrive at a full statement of the melody that grooves and dances as we see what such destructive chaos has created: massive mountains and an incredible horizon to gaze upon.

-Program Note from Score
Adrian B. Sims (2000-), born in Seattle, Washington, is an accomplished composer and conductor of music for bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles of all levels.

He is frequently invited to conduct honor bands, rehearse, and lead clinics with bands and orchestras of all levels across the United States. Adrian has recording experience as both a conductor and producer, and has recorded music at the University of Maryland at College Park, The University of Texas at Austin, and The Palladium in Indianapolis. He has produced recordings of works by notable composers such as Viet Cuong, David Biedenbender, and Katahj Copley.

Adrian’s primary mentors in composition include Brian Balmages, Dr. Robert Gibson, Omar Thomas, and Dr. Donald Grantham. He received his Master’s degree in Composition from The University of Texas at Austin and Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Composition from the University of Maryland at College Park. At the University of Maryland, he studied trombone with Matthew Guilford, solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra, and Aaron LaVere, principal trombonist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

-Bio adapted from Composer

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