Memories of Quinn Chapel (Band Gr. 4)

Through use of two beloved hymns in the African Methodist Episcopal Church ('The Old Rugged Cross' and 'Glory to His Name'), Memories of Quinn Chapel captures and celebrates the heyday of praise and worship in the now lost St. Louis-based church.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Ruby Band Series
Level: 4 | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Keyboard Percussion 1: Glockenspiel, Xylophone
Keyboard Percussion 2: Chimes
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine

Program Notes
This piece, commissioned by Mehlville Schools (Missouri) band directors Tony and Jennifer Brown, commemorates the Quinn Chapel, an African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis where Tony attended as a boy. Quinn Chapel was built in 1869 and was also the church home of jazz trumpet player Clark Terry. AMEC churches are known for the exuberant, jubilant music during the services. Tony, who often rang the church bell before the services, remembered 'The Old Rugged Cross' and 'Glory to His Name' as two of his favorites.

Sadly, the Quinn Chapel fell into disrepair and burned in 2025. Just the old brick walls remain, walls that were once filed with singing and prayer. This piece reflects that sadness as well as the celebratory spirit in AMEC churches.