Daniel Grady’s musical journey started at the age of five when he began piano lessons. In fifth grade, Daniel picked up the sticks and has become an accomplished percussionist with emphasis on timpani and mallet instruments. He has enjoyed playing with his high school’s Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Praise Team, and his leadership and performance has made the drumline a crowd-rousing favorite. As a graduating senior from Lake Country Lutheran High School, Daniel is completing his third year in MYSO’s Senior Symphony, and has had the opportunity to perform with the Percussion Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra.

Having been accepted into numerous colleges and universities including Berklee School of Music (Valencia, Spain) and Lawrence University, Daniel has accepted a full tuition scholarship into Liberty University School of Music to study Film Scoring and Percussion Performance.

Daniel would like to thank his parents and family for their support, his piano and percussion teachers (Thomas Johnson and Robert Lalko), LCLHS Band Director Becky Garlock, Carter Simmons, and the entire MYSO staff. Additionally, as this is Daniel’s first composition, he is thankful for the encouragement of his mentor, Ron Foster, and Wind Ensemble Music Director Andy Hacker.

Reverence is a piece inspired by the Old Testament’s story of the fall of man. As you are listening, you will be taken on a journey starting at the peaceful Garden of Eden, and then led by the mysterious and ominous serpent to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. There it deceives Adam and Eve and ushers in the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience. Finally, you are brought to a more hopeful promise of salvation, restoration, and victory yet to come.