Third Suite was written for Leo Imperial and the Granby High School Band of Norfolk, Virginia. The first movement is a march which is altered rhythmically by the use of alternating meter signatures. The second movement is a waltz which continues the meter alteration idea and features oboe, flute, bassoon, and brass sections. The Rondo is full of fun and bright tunes which are developed near the end followed by a quick coda stating the main theme once again.
Robert E. Jager is an American composer, conductor, and music educator known for his contributions to wind ensemble and concert band literature. His compositions are celebrated for their rhythmic energy, accessible tonal language, and structural clarity. Jager’s career includes numerous prestigious awards, including three American Bandmasters Association Ostwald Awards, making him one of the few composers to win it multiple times. His notable works include Esprit de Corps, Symphony for Band, and Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann. Jager has taught extensively, influencing generations of musicians, and has held teaching positions at institutions like Tennessee Tech University.
Program note and composer biography researched and written by Elisabeth Jackson