Over Peaceful Horizons
Instrumentation
Flute 1/2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone 1
E-flat Alto Saxophone 2
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba
Timpani (4 drums)
Bells
Vibraphone, Chimes
Percussion (Crash Cyms., Sus. Cym., Sleigh Bells, Wind Chimes)
Program Notes
Over Peaceful Horizons stands as a tribute to the life, passion, and enduring musical legacy of R. Scott Davidson—a visionary, educator, and devoted musician whose impact on the Sturgis community and beyond will resonate for generations.
Scott was more than a conductor; he was a creator. His compositions—including Centennial Fanfare, Enter the Heroes, and Adagio: The Bow Tie—echo his deep love for music and storytelling. He dedicated decades of his life to nurturing young musicians, serving as a mentor, arranger, and advocate for music education, all while leading a distinguished career in the private sector. His unwavering commitment to the Sturgis High School Marching Band and the Sturgis Wind Symphony was not just a duty—it was a calling.
The piece opens with a warm and lyrical theme, set in E-flat major, evoking serenity and reflection. At its heart, a deeply personal moment emerges—an excerpt from Scott’s own Adagio: The Bow Tie, written in memory of his father, interwoven with a familiar melody: the fight song of Sturgis High School, a nod to the institution he cherished so deeply.
The final moments include a triumphant fanfare—an unmistakable celebration of a life well-lived. Premiered on December 8, 2024, by the Sturgis Wind Symphony under the direction of Professor Steve Pratt (University of Indiana, Retired).