Mr. Inglis has been a beacon for band directors for many years. He is a fatherly and gentle figure for numerous young and experienced band directors, doling advice for surviving the daily challenges of teaching band. Always a southern gentleman, he never hesitates to listen and just talk band.
The sections of the piece represent different aspects of Gene’s personal and professional life. An excellent percussionist, he is represented throughout the music with various percussion features on snare drum, marimba and timpani. The opening chords and the “A” prime melody represent his love for jazz and his beautiful wife of 49 years, Shenley. The “B” theme has a driving ostinato, symbolizing Gene’s very fine marching bands over the years. The trombone and horn choir during this section represents his son, Tony, who was a trombonist in high school and college. The chorale section features one of Gene’s favorite hymns, “Be Thou My Vision”, and is scored as a warm-up chorale for concert band. Chorales are one of Gene’s favorite styles for concert band. A transitory trumpet solo represents his daughter, Gena, a great band director and trumpet player. An oboe solo represents his youngest daughter, Allison, who is also an excellent musician.
“Where you’ve been is not a reflection of where you can go.” – Gene Inglis
