Fanfare for Hope

Fanfare for Hope was commissioned in honor of the inauguration of Father James P. Burns, the 14th President of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. The fanfare is based on the hymn tune Melita, more commonly known as the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save, with the text “My hope is built on nothing less…” serving as the inspiration for the piece. The opening brass fanfare features the uplifting first notes of the tune transitioning into a legato treatment for the woodwinds and horns. The theme builds as the brass and percussion eventually return leading back to the original fanfare. The music ends triumphantly, with the entire ensemble joining in celebration.