NHS Symphonic Band debuts Brockmann's original composition

The Niwot High School Symphonic Band had the honor and privilege to perform an original composition by Gus Brockmann at the final "Crossroads" concert of the 2022-2023 school year.

The final concerts for choir, orchestra, and band traditionally provide an opportunity to recognize the graduating seniors and send them off with further recognition beyond Music Awards Night, which took place Wednesday, May 3. Seniors of the band this year had an extra special treat.

For the past 10 years, Gus Brockmann, a Longmont resident, has been assisting as a brass specialist for Niwot Bands throughout the school year. His wisdom and ability to connect with students is always appreciated by the high school band members.

Brockmann is also a composer, and composed an original score entitled "Restart" specifically for the Niwot Symphonic Band to debut at the "Crossroads" concert which took place Thursday, May 18. This is the first time an original score was written specifically for Niwot High School bands.

When asked about this opportunity for the band to perform an original piece, Brockmann said, "It just sort of happened." He said, "I wanted to write something that was tailored to Niwot High School...Wade (Hendricks, Director of Niwot High School Bands) and I talked about what he would want in a piece [which included] instrumentation, strengths of the band, and style of music."

"'Restart' refers to the process of writing this piece," Brockmann elaborated. "The idea had just played itself out [because at first] it didn't go where I wanted it to go. I would set the idea aside and start a new sketch with 'Niwot Band - RESTART #__'." As the students and director can agree, "Restart" turned out to be a truly incredible piece proving the process of writing music pays off, and requires meticulous thought and work.

Brockmann has been writing music since he was in high school and finds great joy in hearing his pieces "come to life through the skill of another artist." He also felt especially honored when Hendricks asked him to conduct the piece at the final concert of the year.

"I was honored that Gus wanted to devote so many hours to create something specifically for us," Hendricks said. ... [He] has been helping us out for years, but to have his [involvement] in this way was fun. I know the students appreciated seeing and being a part of the composition process." Brockmann attended rehearsal time during class as much as his schedule would allow, not only to rehearse the composition, but to elaborate on his ideas and the writing process with students.

On behalf of the Niwot Band Program and Niwot Music Department, Hendricks presented Brockmann with the Cougar Guardian Award. This award is given to select individuals who devote their efforts on behalf of the students in supporting their musical development.