New Dawn

wind ensemble

duration 9'00”

New Dawn (2026) for wind ensemble was commissioned by Dr. Devin Otto and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Bands to commemorate the 2026 re-opening of the UWO Music Hall following a major, multi-year renovation.

“New Dawn” celebrates the excitement and anticipation of new beginnings by portraying a sunrise over Lake Winnebago, on the shores of Oshkosh in northeast Wisconsin. The music begins peacefully, depicting the first hint of sunlight slowly transitioning to a warm glow on the horizon. As the piece progresses, shifting pentatonic harmonies reflect the sky’s evolving hue and changing colors on the water. Quicker melodic and percussive figures evoke the sounds of wildlife awakening in and around the lake, while flowing melodies over brighter harmonies portray a quickly illuminating sky. The music builds to a stirring moment, as the sun rises in its full splendor, before subsiding to a tranquil ending, leaving the listener with an image of Lake Winnebago on a calm day.

In addition to celebrating new beginnings, “New Dawn” honors and is rooted in UWO’s musical past. Many of the musical figures are derived from the university’s historic fight song “Hail, Titans!” (1938) by James A. Breese, including flowing lyrical melodies, bold fanfare-like gestures, and warm pentatonic harmonies. “New Dawn” quite literally is infused with the musical history of our UWO community.

Instrumentation: 2 flute, 1 picc, 1 oboe, 3 B-flat clarinet, 1 bass clarinet, 1 bassoon, 2 a sax, 1 t sax, 1 b sax, 3 trumpet, 4 horn, 3 trombone, 1 euphonium, 1 tuba, timpani, 5 percussion

Audio recording and purchase information coming soon. Contact emartin1014@gmail.com.