“Salute!” an honor for FHSU music faculty, past and present

FHSU University Relations and Marketing

HAYS, Kan. — When Dr. Jeff Jordan, Fort Hays State University associate professor of music, wrote “Salute!” he merely wanted to honor the 90th birthday of former FHSU band director Lyle Dilley.

However, now the piece will be performed at the Dallas Wind Symphony’s March 22 concert. The piece was one of seven winners of the Dallas Wind Symphony fanfare competition. Each winning piece is performed at a wind symphony concert.

“Salute!” was premiered at the High Plains Music Camp faculty orchestra concert last summer, where Dilley was honored.

“I wanted to write something just for him. He’s been a great friend and mentor to many people. He’s a musical legend in western Kansas,” said Jordan.

“Salute!” played as Dilley walked to the stage to be recognized. One of the players suggested Jordan enter the composition in the competition.

This is the second time one of Jordan’s pieces has been selected as a winning composition. Three years ago, the University of Texas-Arlington played Jordan’s composition at the symphony concert, but this year the FHSU brass choir has been invited to play. Dr. Lane Weaver, assistant professor of music and theatre, will conduct.

“This is a huge honor for both Dr. Jordan and the Brass Choir,” said Weaver. “The Dallas Wind Symphony is the premier professional wind ensemble in the U.S.”

After their performance, the Brass Choir will stay for the concert, conducted by Eric Whitaker, one of the world’s most famous living composers.

Jordan has published 10 compositions, and various FHSU ensembles have premiered his pieces at the Kansas Music Educators Association

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