A Conductor’s and Performer’s Guide to Steven Bryant’s Concerto for Alto Saxophone - Chester Jenkins

10 Chapter 2. History A defining characteristic of Steven Bryant’s Concerto is how personally it is written for its recipient, Joe Lulloff. When a piece is written for such a singular performer (in this case, a classical performer who is just as adept at jazz improvisation) it allows the composer to fully explore the character of the performer, which is oftentimes far more interesting than the character of the instrument they play. The entire process to produce this work, from conception to premiere, commission to composition, is a story of relationships, which explains the focus and conception of this work. The foundation to this work was laid 17 years prior to its premiere, in 1997. 9 Howard Gourwitz, a lawyer and an alumni of the University of Michigan (1969), was president of the Michigan Marching Band alumni association. Gourwitz graduated with his degree in three years, and had always missed being able to march a fourth year of college. 10 After a band fund raising dinner, he approached the director of the Michigan Marching Band, Kevin Sedatole, to make an interesting request. The year 1998 would be the 100 th anniversary of the Michigan Marching Band and their fight song, The Victors . It would also be Gourwitz’s 50 th birthday. 11 Gourwitz asked if Sedatole would let him audition for the Michigan Marching Band for the upcoming season. As Gourwitz stated, “He must have laughed for a minute and a half. And I just sat there. And he looked at me and said, 9 Howard Gourwitz and Joe Lulloff, interview by author, Cincinnati, OH, March 11, 2018. 10 Tom Kirvan, “U-M Band Alum Rejoice in Homecoming Spirit,” LegalNews.com. http://www.legalnews.com/washtenaw/1381381/ (accessed March 13, 2018) 11 Ibid.