The Wild One!

The Wild One! was written by Brian Balmages (see below) in 2023 on a commission from the Wilde Lake High School (Columbia, Maryland) Band Boosters in honor of retired director Lewis C. Dutrow.

Written in honor of retired director Lewis “Lew” Dutrow, this work was inspired by Lew’s love of marches, which he consistently programmed over his 38 year career at Wilde Lake High School. Playfully named after the school that commissioned it, The Wild One! is an adrenaline-packed circus march that includes both traditional march elements and contemporary musical devices. The work was premiered at a special 50th Anniversary Band Event, which included alumni from throughout Lew’s tenure at Wilde Lake.

Saul W. Green, current band director at Wilde Lake, put it best:

“As you may know, Lew Dutrow served as the band director at Wilde Lake HS for 38 years. He has inspired thousands of students through his exceptional careers in the music field. I decided that I wanted to be a music educator during my student teacher placement with him at the Lake. While his bands sounded phenomenal, his ability to connect with ALL students regardless of playing ability or attitude was one of the most inspiring things I’ve been able to witness.”

From the composer: “The march attempts to capture a fraction of the energy Lew Dutrow invested in his students over his storied career. I hope every student has as much fun performing the piece as I had writing it (and I had a LOT of fun!).”

Brian Balmages (b. 1975) received his bachelor's degree in music from James Madison University (Virginia) and his master's degree from the University of Miami (Florida). He is a recipient of the prestigious A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and was also featured in James Madison University's “Be the Change” campaign.

His music for band and orchestra has been performed in countries throughout the world. His active schedule of commissions and premieres has involved groups ranging from elementary schools to professional ensembles. World premieres have included prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. His music was also performed as part of the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service in 2013, which was attended by both President Obama and then Vice President Biden.

As a conductor, Balmages has enjoyed engagements with numerous all-state and regional bands and orchestras as well as university and professional groups. He has also served as an adjunct professor of instrumental conducting and Acting Symphonic Band Director at Towson University in Maryland. Currently, he is Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His residence is in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland just minutes from his alma mater, Dulaney High School. He lives there with his wife, Lisa and their two sons.