Creer (Grade 2, Standridge), Concert Band

Time will tell what the historians will say about the Covid-19 Pandemic which began in late 2019. Some will argue about its global ramifications, but for myself, the real tragedy is in the smaller stories. It is in the time that we have lost with family and friends. It is in the graduations, holiday gatherings, and communal celebrations that were foregone. And, of course, in the lives that have been lost.

Creer was commissioned in memoriam of one such soul lost to this pandemic. Sandy Rodriguez was the secretary for Ropes Elementary School in Ropes, Texas. By all accounts, she was a beacon of light for the students and community at large. Her rallying cry “Believe!” serves as the inspiration for this work.

The piece begins with a solemn motive stated in guitar, before blossoming into a series of lush chords. A solo trumpet enters next, offering a small, nostalgic melody in memory of those gone too soon. The work develops as the voices find more strength, before arriving at a powerful climax, reminding all of those listening that, even in the darkest of times, to continue to believe. Ultimately, the work is a contemplation of loss, hope, and memory.

Creer was commissioned by the Ropes High School Band (Ropes, TX) and their director, Mrs. Ashley Blount. I wish to thank them for allowing me to create a small offering in memory of Sandy.

Peace, Love, and Music.

[tubonically]

everytime I hear this song I come on the verge of tears. I just went through a difficult breakup and my band was playing this for our spring concert, for the next 3 days until she stopped talking to me, I would hum this song in a melancholy tune.

[joseluistrejo]

Im playing this for my my concert its one of my favorites

[alexandergonzalez]

So i just got finished with school and I'm about to move into a different school for high school. Every once in a while, I listen to this song just to reminisce about my past few years at my school. It sad to let go to things you love.

[Rizzlergoblin]

I played this for North Dakota all state and I got the solo for the bass clarinet! It was really awesome to be directed by Mr. Standridge!

[Twiggystikx]

I am so thankful for you Randal. This piece you made for us means so much to the community. And I'm satisfied with it being one of the pieces I ever played in the Ropes Eagle Band my senior year

[HeolstorKirb]

I played this in all-county and I had the trumpet solo, amazing piece!

[Its_Oli_not_Oil]

On Thursday when my school went for competition. Some school played this song. It sounded good but also sad. A sad but great song/

[Invalid]

This sounds like a good opener of a marching show

[bluetelitz]

I’m playing this in my spring concert. It sounds so good

[sunsetsoundstudios]

I played this for Virginia district xv band. Definitely one of my favorites!

[NoahRatliff]

Randall standridge is so good measure 58 literally gave me chills 3:05

[ssudoag]

I played this in all-county band a couple weeks ago (flute, virginia)

[iquitsorry]

i love this piece so much. thank you for creating it randall. 💕

[tailsfanforever-jysr]

I love it ❤❤❤ i am playing it for cye its all difrent types of ensembles and i got first part for it on clarinet so thank you for this amazing piece ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊

[beautywithamyy]

My band played this song and when I heard it, it sounded like a Mexican song. Do y’all know Wich Mexican song?