Here's a band performance from around 2008. I'm playing the wind chimes at the beginning, triangle, suspended and crash cymbals, and a few bass drum hits. This is a lovely piece of music I very much enjoy despite hearing not so nice things about Eric Whitacre. Also, good time to mention that after 2 years inactive, I just joined band again and really happy to be back.

Program Notes:
October is my favorite month. Something about the crisp autumn air and the subtle change in light always make me a little sentimental, and as I started to sketch I felt that same quiet beauty in the writing. The simple, pastoral melodies and subsequent harmonies are inspired by the great English Romantics (Vaughan Williams and Elgar) as I felt that this style was also perfectly suited to capture the natural and pastoral soul of the season. I'm quite happy with the end result, especially because I feel there just isn't enough lush, beautiful music written for winds.

October was commissioned by the Nebraska Wind Consortium, Brian Anderson, Consortium Chairman. October was premiered on May 14th, 2000, and is dedicated to Brian Anderson, the man who brought it all together.

-Eric Whitacre