# Notes from the composer [[Chris Pilsner]]; If I was to find a common element that ties together my favorite pieces of music, its a great melody that is able to transform itself over the entirety of it's work. My goal with Valiant Skies was to do exactly that. In order to create a melody that could transform as it moved through various styles and tempi, I knew it had to have a simple structure to it. After trying hundreds of ideas, I finally came upon one that struck a balance between beauty and simplicity that I was looking for. This allowed me to not only create a lush, lyrical opening, but also use that same melody in different variations and forms to unify the piece's moments of joy, conflict, and ultimately triumph. As is my usual process, the name *Valiant Skies* came from the music as I wrote it. Throughout the entire work, I felt the music had an enduring and courageous spirit that kept whispering "valiant" in my ears. Simultaenously, I kept coming back to a motive that ascends up the lydian scale, giving the entire piece a feeling of taking off into the sky. # Notes from the conductor [[Concert Programs/Fanfare and Festival, June 3, 2026/Joel Windsor|Joel Windsor]] This year I see my eldest son complete his schooling, and look forward to whatever the future gives him. I've also had the distinct pleasure of watching not only him, but all his friends grow with him over the past 18 years. Each of them, as friends and sources of memories for my son, will have a permanent place in my heart. I chose *Valiant Skies* not for the cerebral activity that the composer suggested. I chose it because of what the music represents in a more emotive way; freedom, hope, and triumph. Each of the graduates this year go on to their own things after this performance, however every single one of them have demonstrated a work ethic that will provide them nothing but freedom. They all have a wide open sky of possibilities, and each of them will soar to their own triumphs. I am so intensely proud of these graduates. I hope you hear the same triumph I have experienced by working with them through this performance, and can share in the same hope and excitement I have for each of them and their future flights.