Duration: 6′
For Wind Ensemble (Grade 4.5)
Commissioned by the Rouse High School Honor Band, Ryan Johnstone, Director. Premiered at the 2025 Midwest Clinic.
Instrumentation
- Piccolo, 3 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone.
- 3 Bb Trumpets, 2 F Horns (doubling recommended), 3 Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba.
- Piano (optional)
- 5 Percussion:
- Timpani
- Glockenspiel
- Marimba 1, Suspended Cymbal
- Marimba 2, Crash Cymbal
- Vibraphone 1, Tam-tam
- Vibraphone 2
- Triangle, Xylophone
- Bass Drum
Program Notes
A few years ago, I wrote a piece called Deciduous, born from a period of loss following my father’s passing. His absence left a deep void, and for a time my creativity struggled under the weight of that pain. He was the first close family member I had lost, and it felt natural, even inevitable, to dwell on all that was missing. But in the years since, as I have cycled through ups and downs of healing, certain constants in my life have helped me find strength and meaning again—especially the people closest to me and, of course, music.
When I reflect on the journey through those difficult years, I find myself feeling more and more grateful for these enduring sources of support. Evergreen is a wistful yet exuberant tribute to these constants in our lives, the steadfast forces from which we draw love, energy, and resilience. In this sense, it serves as a companion piece or foil to Deciduous. While loss may lead us to initially fixate on what is gone, remembering what remains—what has always been there, and what will continue to be—helps us move forward.
Evergreen was commissioned by the Rouse High School Honor Band and their Director Ryan Johnstone for their 2024 Midwest Clinic Performance. Deepest thanks to all involved in this commission, and congratulations to Ryan Johnstone and the Rouse High School Honor Band for their first performance at Midwest.
Perusal Score – Performance materials can be purchased in the store.
Fullscreen ModeRyan Johnstone on the cover art for Evergreen:
Prior to receiving Viet’s notes about the piece, I inquired with him about the opportunity for one of our multi talented students, Charlotte Chen, to interact with his music via visual art. Viet loved this idea and Charlotte agreed to create something inspired by Evergreen. Additionally, it was decided that her work would be the cover art for the piece upon publication.
Charlotte created a digital art piece in the style of WPA artwork. Below is her artist’s statement and work:
“My main inspiration for the style of this artwork was artworks of national parks: they have a distinct style that can convey fine details but upon closer look, they are seemingly “messy” strokes. The main subject of the artwork is an abandoned steam train submerged in a lake, which symbolizes one’s losses and grief. However, as “Evergreen” entails, there are always constants in life that help us heal. This “constant” is represented by nature as it is always there no matter what we put it through and its tendency to grow back and recover over time. Finally, a stork stands on top of the train in the light, symbolizing new beginnings and looking forward.”