Pacific Spirit

From the composer:

“Pacific Spirit invites you to soar above the rugged Oregon coast in a cinematic journey seen through the eyes of an eagle. The piece unfolds like a sweeping aerial view of dramatic scenery—where deep blue waters meet soaring cliffs, and lush forests embrace windswept shores.

The music opens with a spirited, lively fanfare, capturing the exhilaration of flight and the boundless energy of the coastal expanse. This dynamic statement sets the stage for a reflective interlude, where delicate melodies and thoughtful harmonies evoke the raw beauty and untamed wilderness below. In this moment, the listener is invited to pause and absorb the intricate details of nature’s canvas.

As the journey continues, the opening theme returns with renewed vigor, gradually transforming into an engaging canon that mirrors the rhythmic interplay of tide and wind. This evolving texture leads to another fanfare-like flourish—a triumphant burst of sound that reflects the majestic rise of the sun over the Pacific horizon. The music then subsides, gathering a contemplative energy before surging into a final, powerful climax, reminiscent of the eagle’s soaring ascent toward a radiant sky.

With its evocative imagery and dynamic contrasts, Pacific Spirit is a celebration of the Oregon coast’s vibrant essence—a musical flight that captures both the serene majesty and the exhilarating pulse of the natural world.

Pacific Spirit is dedicated to my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Michael Burch-Presses. This work honors his remarkable 30-year tenure at Pacific University and his lifelong dedication to the art of wind music.”

Composer Robert (Bob) Buckley has a diverse career as a composer, arranger, performer, producer, recording artist and conductor. In the pop world, he created several albums and hit songs with labels such as CBS and A&M. The number one single “Letting Go” won him a gold record. He conducted and arranged for major artists such as Michael Bublé, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Our Lady Peace, Simple Plan and Aerosmith, to name a few. In the film and television world, he scored numerous award-winning shows for Disney, Alliance, ABC, FOX, CBS, PBS, CBC and the Cartoon Network. In the live stage world, he composed music for contemporary dance, musicals and large-scale worldwide television events including the Calgary Olympics, the Victoria Commonwealth Games, the Vancouver Olympics and the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony with Cirque Du Soleil. He composed “This Is My Home” for the Canadian Pavilion at the World Expo – a song that has been performed at every Canada Day since and has become a Canadian tradition. In the concert world, his symphonic compositions have been performed worldwide.

Robert has served as composer-in-residence at several universities and for many years at the Con Brio Whistler Music Festival. He has recorded several CDs of his symphonic wind music: “Continuum”, “Undercurrents”, “Seas Of The Moon” and most recently recorded his Third Symphony “Quebec Mosaic” with the Royal 22nd Regiment Band in Quebec City. His composition “Undercurrents” had its US premier with the world-renowned “President’s Own” US Marine Band.

Robert is a proud member of the American Band Association, the Canadian Music Centre, and the Screen Composers Guild of Canada. He lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada with his wife, choreographer and director, Marlise McCormick.

The music for Pacific Spirit was provided for the band by Joe and Terri Ferong.