Robert Buckley

Half human, half machine – the cyborgs are about to invade planet Earth! Robert uses his background in composing sci-fi scores for television to create this epic cinematic composition that pits humanity against the sinister cyborg army. Skillfully scored for 2nd year players, Attack of the Cyborgs sounds more impressive and advanced than its grade level would suggest. Dur: 2:30

This exciting, innovative new work from Robert Buckley was commissioned by the Troy University Symphony Band in honor of the 37th annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic in Alabama. Using a recurring two-measure loop, this uniquely constructed piece is built up around various musical building blocks that are constantly evolving and transforming. The music is dramatic and dynamic, with full-blown ensemble passages suddenly dropping to quiet, powerful moments without ever losing the music’s continuous drive. Following an exotic, bluesy middle section the piece builds, accelerating to a thrilling, rhythmic, percussive finish. A real tour de force! Dur: 7:00

In 1917 two ships collided in the harbor of Halifax, Canada. The resulting explosion devastated most of the city. Echoes of the Silent is a hymn that pays homage to those who perished and to the resilient souls who survived. This music is reverent and reflective, with emotional ebbs and swells and an eventual build to a stirring theme of hope and inner strength. Ideal as a festival or memorial piece, this work is an opportunity for your ensemble to explore softer dynamics, expression and nuance. Dur: 5:05

Free Running is an exciting, high velocity tour-de-force that will keep both musicians and the audience on the edge of their seats. Inspiration for the work came from the pointillistic paintings of Seurat (who created images by using tiny spots of primary colors on his canvas) and from Parkour, a form of urban acrobatics in which participants, known as free runners, use the structures of the rural landscape to perform catlike leaps and sprints. The resulting creation is a non-stop piece of music made up of only staccato notes in a constant rhythm moving through different sections of the ensemble. Free Running was commissioned by the Troy University Symphony Band for the 2011 Alabama Music Educators Association Convention. Ideal for concert or festival use, it is guaranteed to leave the audience breathless! Dur: 5:10

Recorded by the Troy University Symphony Band – Ralph Ford, conductor

At the height of the jazz age, each of the major swing bands had their own “signature” sound, immediately recognizable to their enthusiastic fans. This composition puts these various sounds and rhythms together in homage to a vibrant and innovative time in American music. This piece is a fun way to teach your ensemble to swing and get your audience tapping their toes! Commissioned by the West Vancouver (BC) Youth Band – Douglas Macaulay, director – in tribute to “Canada’s King of Swing”, Dal Richards. Dur: 4:55