Onward Ever (Band Gr. 4)

Onward Ever is an inspirational composition that is reflective of the work it takes to achieve an important life goal. In three parts – Anticipation, Determination, and Celebration – the music captures the enthusiasm, ambition, and joy that come from achieving a milestone, such as graduation from high school or college.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Ruby Band Series
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:40

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Piccolo
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
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (3 drums)
Mallets: Chimes, Bells, Xylophone
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum Bass Drum
Percussion 2 [2 players]: Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Triangle, Mark Tree, Tambourine, Tam-Tam

Program Notes
Onward Ever is an allegory for the college experience and, in a broader sense, for achieving any important goal in life. Much of the melodic material for this piece was derived from the alma mater of Athens State University. Like many colleges, universities, and high schools, the tune for their alma mater is an old ballad originally known as "Annie Lisle," dating back to 1857 and attributed to Boston songwriter H.S. Thompson. The melodic interval of a rising third from the beginning of the song is particularly evident throughout.

Divided into three parts – Anticipation, Determination, and Celebration – the music reflects the spirit of these stages of college life. "Anticipation" captures both the enthusiasm and the apprehension of starting this new adventure. College means new classes, new surroundings, and new friends – a fundamental change from what life was before. The music is hopeful and optimistic in looking toward the future. The middle section of the piece, "Determination," is about getting it done. It takes hard work and persistence to succeed and complete a degree. The music is bold and driving, with a sense of confidence. The tempo and mood change toward the end of the section, featuring a solo horn stating a modified version of the theme. This reflective codetta symbolizes the sacrifices made along the way. The final section of the work, "Celebration," alternates from a playful theme to more triumphant and festive music. The final few measures reprise the "Determination" theme as a reminder to stay vigilant and, as the alma mater says, "Onward Ever be our watchword, may we never fail."