Slane Elliot Del Borgo

Pioneer Band Series

PROGRAM NOTES
This dramatic piece for middle school concert band is set in motion by a driving, syncopated figure in the timpani which is soon joined by an equally syncopated, repeated figure in the F Horn/Trombone Baritone sections. The ensuing stately melodic themes are similarly characterized by driving accompaniment figures that build in rhythmic and harmonic tension. Every section in the band contributes to the growing melodic development throughout this piece.

ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Elliot Del Borgo (b. 1938) holds a B.S. degree from the State University of New York, an Ed.M. degree from Temple University, and an M.M. degree from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, where he studied theory and composition with Vincent Perichetti and trumpet with Gilbert Johnson. In 1973, he was granted the doctoral equivalency by the State University of New York and was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 1993.

Mr. Del Borgo taught instrumental music in the Philadelphia Public Schools and was Professor of Music at the Crane School of Music, where he held teaching and administrative positions from 1966 to 1995. An award-winning member of the American Society of Conductors, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), he is a frequent consultant, clinician, lecturer, and adjudicator and is a widely known conductor of bands and orchestras.

In addition to his music for the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid, he has published over 400 compositions for a variety of media. His music reflects the aesthetics of twentieth century musical ideals through an eclectic nature and vigorous harmonic and rhythmic style.

Now in his retirement years, Elliot is in great demand as a guest conductor. He also writes several commissioned works each year for schools and civic performing organizations worldwide.