Golden Panther March

Golden Panther March was written by Robert Sheldon (see below) on a commission from the Eustis High School Band in Eustis, Florida.

From the composer: “This is the second of three pieces that Tina Laferriere commissioned me to write for her bands during the course of her teaching career in Lake County, Florida. I have always been grateful to the band directors in Florida who have supported my music and encouraged me through my younger days by asking me to write for their bands, but few have invited me to do THREE pieces for them, so a HUGE thank you to Tina for her friendship and patronage through these many years!

The first, Eagle Mountain Overture, for the Mt. Dora Middle School Band, is named for the school mascot and for the ‘Mount’ in the name of the town. This was followed twenty-five years later with the third commission, Lake County Landscapes, which depicted four towns in Lake County, including the places she taught, and was Tina’s gift to the schools in her county as she prepared to retire. In-between those two commissions was the commission for Golden Panther March, named for the school mascot at Eustis High School.

Golden Panther March is composed in standard march form, with a first strain, second strain, and trio, followed by a break strain and a final interation of the trio melody. Written in 6/8 time, incorporating fanfares and trills, this is an excellent march for use as a concert opener, for festivals and contest.”

Composer Robert Sheldon (b. 1954) has taught instrumental music in the Florida and Illinois public schools, and has served on the faculty at Florida State University where he taught conducting and instrumental music education classes, and directed the university bands. As Concert Band Editor for Alfred Music Publishing, he maintains an active composition and conducting schedule, and regularly accepts commissions for new works. Sheldon received the Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Miami and the Master of Fine Arts in Instrumental Conducting from the

University of Florida.

An internationally recognized clinician, Sheldon has conducted numerous Regional and All-State Honor Bands throughout the United States and abroad. His teaching career included 28 years in the Florida and Illinois public schools as well as at the University of Florida, Florida State University, Illinois Central College and Bradley University. He also held positions as conductor of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra in Gainesville, Florida and the Prairie Wind Ensemble in East Peoria, Illinois.

The music for Golden Panther March was provided for the band by a generous supporter.