Update Title: 73CD2FEC-04C6-4C36-A1D5-427675AEF7EE

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Concerto for Percussion and Symphonic Band was composed during a time of great personal flux. The first twenty measures of the first movement were
written on June 24, 2002, and in the early morning of the next day I suffered a stroke. The stroke essentially destroyed the left frontal lobe of my brain.
In addition to losing basic motor skills, I could not speak or think clearly. All I could do was nod "yes" or "no."
However, within days I started to speak again. I directed my family to bring my computer to the hospital (against my doctors wishes) so I could resume
composing. Although I could compose, I noticed that I could no longer figure out certain rhythms. This was incredibly discouraging. I was a percussionist
for heaven's sake and I could not figure out simple metrical structures. Frustration only begins to describe the loss of an ability I had come to rely on since
adolescence. Nevertheless, I internalized my "frustrations" and did not share my struggles with Lisa or my doctors. Somehow I managed to write another
ten bars before being released from the hospital.
At home, most of my time was spent writing the first movement. Speech therapy confirmed my reading and writing troubles. This was a big blow for me -
I was about to enter my second year of doctoral residency at Northwestern. How could a possibly write papers or take notes? In an effort to stabilize my
life, I buried myself in composing. I would spend six to eight hours in front of my computer. The first movement was completed during the third week
of July.
The second movement was begun shortly after when I received the news that my boss, Ann Monaco, the Artistic Director of the Merit School of Music
had been killed by a drunk driver. Ann was my mentor and one of the greatest music educators I have ever had the privilege to work with. Ann's work
ethic and love of music was a constant source of inspiration. The news of her death was devastating and I became incredibly depressed and stopped
composing.
After a long stay in Pittsburgh, I finally returned to Chicago. My ability to read and write finally came back and I started to compose again. I
finished the piece in December. When I listen to the music, all of my individual emotions seem entrenched inside of this piece - the frustation of the mind,
the sorrow of death, the joy of love, the happiness of life . . .
Take some time - look at a lake - plant a flower - love your life . . .
Concerto for Percussion and Symphonic Band is dedicated to Ann Monaco. The premiere was given in April 21, 2002 by the Duquesne University Wind
Ensemble. Lisa Pegher, solo percussion.
- Brett William Dietz

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