Symphonic Stories

Symphonic Stories was written by Chris Bernotas (see below) in 2025.

From the composer:

“This piece was written in honor of Meredith Sullivan Boyan [1985-2023], whom I worked with for more than a decade during my nearly 30 years of teaching. She courageously fought a long battle with breast cancer, and while she is no longer with us, her love for music, education, learning, and humanity will continue through the lives of her students, friends, and family.

The title, Symphonic Stories, can be interpreted very broadly because all music can tell a story, and each story is personal to the listener and/or performer. My connection with this piece represents some of the stories from our years of working very closely together. Meredith's primary instrument was the saxophone, but as a person who thrived on learning, she was an incredible performer on the flute, clarinet, and even the oboe. She also tackled brass instruments with great competence and, of course, percussion as well. In addition to all the teaching that took place in the music wing, there were countless times I can remember bringing her to tears with laughter, which brought me great joy as well. She was a fierce educator, a passionate student advocate, and, above all, a kind and thoughtful human being.”

Composer, conductor, clinician, and educator Chris M. Bernotas (b.1969) earned a Bachelor of Music degree from William Paterson University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. As Director of String Publications for Alfred Music, he draws upon his 28-year experience as an instrumental music teacher in New Jersey, and brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to the world of music education. As a widely published composer and author, he is co-author, along with Dr. Peter Boonshaft, of Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Young, Intermediate, and Advanced Concert Band. He is also co-author, along with Dave Black, of Alfred's ground-breaking percussion method, Sound Percussion.

As an active composer and arranger of concert band, string orchestra, and marching band music, Mr. Bernotas is highly sought after nationwide as a composer of commissioned new works, as a guest conductor, as an adjudicator, and as a clinician on a variety of music education topics.

He resides in New Jersey with his wife Cristina and their three children.

The music for Symphonic Stories was provided for the band by Barbara and David Cotton.