Music of Andrew F. Poor

  Our Reality by Andrew F. Poor, DME originally published by the National Band Association, Georgia Chapter, September 2020 One of my favorite mottoes is, “It is not your excuse, it is your reality.” It is a constant reminder that we must always be solution-driven rather than problem-focused--this has never been truer than now. As we return to school, we face various challenges; some of us might be ill-prepared to handle. I know I am. Honestly, there were times over the last five months. I was overwhelmed and feeling defeated by our situation. Based on conversations with friends and colleagues, it became apparent I was not alone.  "It is not your excuse, but it is your reality!"   This summer, while reading a leadership book,  Extreme Ownership  (Willink & Babin, 2017), written by two former Navy SEALs, a few ideas struck me. No, I am not planning on turning my students into Navy SEALS, but some of the best ideas/reminders can come from the most unlikel...

Commissioned by the Feagin Mill Middle School Band (Warner Robins, Georgia), Lloyd McDonald, Director of Bands in the fall of 2015. The work is dedicated to the children of members of our armed forces and the ongoing sacrifices these children make on behalf of our country. The work is divided into three sections—Service, Sacrifice and Tribute—and each section honors different aspects of this commitment. The Service section (measures 1 to 23) is a blending of various patriotic melodic fragments, including, Star-Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful and Taps. These children are surrounding by patriotic music throughout their everyday lives. This section of the work symbolizes the dedication and purpose for the service for both the parents and the children. Sacrifice (measures 24-39) is longingly lyrical portion of the work loosely based on the melodic structure of Taps and symbolizes the heartfelt losses the children are often forced to endure. These sacrifices, include, long and u...

On the Wings of a Griffin was composed for the inaugural performance by the South Forsyth Middle School Sixth-Grade Advanced Band in the spring of 2016. Premiered at the Forsyth County Concert Band Festival on February 19, 2016, the two-part work is in C-minor and showcases the entire ensemble. A Griffin is a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the wings and talons of an eagle. The creature was the symbol of divine power and can be found on the crests of countless kings and royal courts. The beginning section (measures 1-12) is bold and dramatic based on fragments of the primary melody later in the work, and is symbolic of the power and majesty of the creature. The second section is the creature taking flight and features a gradual building of the rhythmic ostinato underneath the melody. At measure 41, the percussion section is featured and is symbolic of a potential conflict with the creature. This section leads to a final restatement of the melody (measure 55-63) s...

There is probably no greater part of my job than starting young musicians on the journey of learning to play an instrument. The first few weeks these students play an instrument are critical to the potential success (or failure) of that journey. Here are some resources and techniques I have utilized to help my students get off to a great start. I believe that one of the most important components of my approach is to allow students to focus on only one task/skill at a time and then scaffold those skills. I strive to check every individual at least once a day during these early stages. This does slow the progress of class, but helps to ensure that all students are meeting the standards. In addition, I avoid having the students play in large groups until a greater mastery of sound is achieved by the student; the goal is groups of 5-15, but no larger. Three Points of Posture Feet flat! So you can stand without moving your feet.  Stand from the waist up. Push off from the back o...

Heart and Home  was composed in January of 2015 and is dedicated to my father, William Poor, who is a proud native Kentuckian. This original lyrical work, for grade 2 bands, was written in a folk song style. The work was premiered by the South Forsyth Middle School Symphonic Band on May 11, 2015. For a score sample: http://barnhouse.com/~barnhous/samples/pdf/024-4391-00.pdf

This setting of the famous hymn, Amazing Grace , was arranged specifically for the Tara Winds, Dr. Andrea Strauss, Artistic Director, and for their featured soloist, Matthew M. McCord, by Andrew F. Poor. This arrangement was premiered by the Tara Winds and Mr. McCord on May 17, 2015. This arrangement is available from the composer. Please visit: www.andrewpoormusic.com, for more details. For a sample of the score:  http://nebula.wsimg.com/f5fd183b78c6e22e115a4ade315a5f77?AccessKeyId=8A07B23F9D49DAA23B98&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Excited to announce that I have recently been offered the opportunity to write new works for the following groups: 1) East Coweta High School Woodwind Quintet, Sharpsburg, Georgia, Rusty Wilson, Director 2) Feagin Mill Middle School, Warner Robins, Georgia, Lloyd McDonald, Director of Bands 3) Habersham Central High School, Mount Airy, Georgia, Ryan Dukes, Director of Bands 4) Flute Choir, Peachtree City, Georgia, Kelly McKinney, Director I am currently arranging for the following ensembles 1) Olivet Nazarene University Marching Band, Dr. Matthew Stratton, Director of Bands 2) Tara Winds Community Band, Dr. Andrea Strauss, Artistic Director There is still room in my writing schedule for one more marching band show and one more commission for 2015. Please contact me at andy.poor@gmail.com, if you are interested in having me write for your group.