Music piece created for retired Addison Trail Orchestra Director and the school’s 50th anniversary to be performed

Pictured is Robert Longfield (center), who composed a piece entitled "Legacy" (an orchestral fantasy) in honor of the 2016 retirement of Addison Trail Orchestra Director and Music Department Chair Dan O’Connell (pictured at right), as well as Addison Trail’s 50th anniversary in 2016-17. "Legacy" is based on the melody from the school’s alma mater, "Hail to Thee,” which Longfield also composed. The alma mater was debuted in March 2016 and features lyrics by Addison Trail alumna Julia Dziabis (class of 2015). "Legacy" has been published, and the orchestra version will be presented during the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference on Dec. 21 in Chicago. Pictured at left is Addison Trail Band Director and Music Department Chair Mark Corey.

In April 2016, the Addison Trail orchestras premiered a piece created in honor of the 2016 retirement of Addison Trail Orchestra Director and Music Department Chair Dan O’Connell, as well as Addison Trail’s 50th anniversary in 2016-17.

The piece, entitled "Legacy," is an orchestral fantasy based on the melody from the school’s alma mater, "Hail to Thee,” which was debuted in March 2016. “Legacy” and "Hail to Thee" were composed by Robert Longfield, and "Legacy" was commissioned by Addison Trail, the school’s Music Department and the Addison Trail Music Booster Club. Addison Trail alumna Julia Dziabis, class of 2015, wrote the lyrics for “Hail to Thee.”

Addison Trail is excited to share “Legacy” has been published (see photo above), with an orchestra version and a band version. The orchestra version will be presented during the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference in Chicago. The performance will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 21, under the direction of Bryan Miller.

The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference offers guests interested in music education an array of clinics and exhibits, as well as access to music and teaching icons. The conference also will focus on industry trends and future topics in business and music education. With more than 17,000 attendees from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 30 countries, the clinic offers music educators and musicians alike an unmatched networking opportunity. For details about the conference, go to www.midwestclinic.org/default.aspx.