The Ukraine
New Concert Band Music Consortium
The National Academic Symphonic Band of Ukraine, consortium lead
KEVIN POELKING, composer
For conductors and music lovers around the world to support band musicians in Ukraine
Project also benefitting:
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The Project
We are excited to announce this collaborative effort with composer Kevin Poelking in order to further our mission of supporting new music while also honoring our Ukrainian heroes and defenders"
-The National Academic Symphonic Band of Ukraine
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This project supports the creation of a new piece of wind band repertoire for The National Academic Symphonic Band of Ukraine and anyone who joins the consortium. (score and parts sent out August 1, 2025)
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At the request of the ensemble, this work will be "Dedicated to Ukrainian Heroes and Defenders" and will be premiered in Kyiv, Ukraine in Fall 2025.
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You can join this project as an individual, an ensemble, or as an organization. You will forever be listed in the score as a supporter of this ensemble/ project.
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Joining this project will cover 100% of a brand new commission for The NASB of Ukraine.
The Music
Consortium Members can download the poetry recordings for performance here:
Update: This work is now complete! View score and listen to the MIDI mockups now!
Listen to more preview sketches here
The music will draw inspiration from the music, culture, history, and current experience of Ukraine. All ideas for this music are created in collaboration with the NASB of Ukraine to ensure a responsible representation. Research by the composer includes resources provided by experts, in-person and electronic conversations with primary sources, and organizations like Ukrainians of Colorado
The title is inspired by a quote from Ukrainian poet Maksym Kryvtsov.
The work will acknowledge the serious reality of the current situation in Ukraine (especially in the ensemble's home city of Kyiv) but will ultimately be uplifting and celebratory in nature.
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Standard band instrumentation with piano and 5 perc + timp
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ca. Grade 5 difficulty level
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Duration ca. 19 minutes (ca. 5'-7'-6')
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3 movements to allow for ensembles to program select movements
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Other music by the composer in this category:
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To Sacred Summits (2024 Winner, The American Prize)
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Meaning in the Echoes (2022 Revelli Prize Finalist)
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Wind in the Aspens (2024 National Finalist, The American Prize)
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More Composer Work Samples
The Three Movements
Movement I
Sounds: "The Beaten Path"
Fast, intense, modern music quotes the Ukrainian folk song "A Moonlight Night". The final four notes of this song are used as a recurring motif and signifies the strength of the Ukrainian people as the war passes its 1,000th day.
This movement draws inspiration from a brief quote from Ivan Mazepa (Іван Мазепа), leader and patron of the arts who portrayed Ukraine's tumultuous history as: “O woe to the poor little seagull that hatched her babies by the beaten path”.
Movement II
Voices: "Cherez Pole Shyrokeye"
("Across the Wide Field")
A modern arrangement of "Cherez Pole Shyrokeye" with simple audio track (think of the bird call from Pines of Rome) of Ukrainian poet Pavlo Vyshebaba reciting his own work.
Movement III
Dreams
Very early in the sketching stages, this movement will celebrate the "small but mighty" resilience of the Ukrainian people and the dreams of a secure and prosperous nation. It will draw inspiration from the thriving modern popular music in the country.
Creators
Consortium Details
A consortium is when a group of people join together to support a new music project. This unique consortium will support a new work to be premiered in Kyiv, Ukraine.
What you receive:
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Your name will appear in the score as a consortium member who made this project possibl
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Score/ Parts (if included in your option) automatically delivered immediately following the World Premiere in Kyiv, Ukraine, and no later than December 1, 2025 (in case the concert is unexpectedly delayed by the current state of war)
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The concert will likely take place in October/ November 2025 so delivery may be sooner
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If your concert is after December 1, 2025 you can request to parts delivered sooner to begin preparation
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Be sure that the following email does not get spam-blocked: contact@kevinpoelking.com
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Exclusive rights to perform the work until Nov. 1, 2026
Ensemble Option: $279
Your choice of physical score or PDF score + PDF parts.
You and your ensemble will be listed in the score.
Conductor Option: $115
Your choice of physical score or PDF. (No parts)
Join the consortium as an individual (with or without the name of your ensemble). Have your name listed in the score as a supporter of this project. Parts can be purchased separately ($165 each) by any/ multiple ensembles you will conduct on this work.
Graduate Student Conductor Option: $89
(you must be enrolled in a full-time MM or DMA conducting program)
Same parameters as the "Conductor Rate" listed above. A great option for future directors looking to support new music.
Supporter Option
Individuals who want to support this project but don't intend on performing the piece. Have your name added to the consortium page as a supporter or submit anonymously. (No delivery of score or parts for this option).
Businesses, organizations, and corporations: Contact Us here to explore sponsorship opportunities
Join the Consortium
Step 2 of 2
(Payment Method #1)
Pay immediately online
Payment indicates that you have read and understand the "Consortium Details" outlined above.
(Click the button and choose your option)
Advertisers/ Sponsors
Organizations/ businesses looking to be included as a sponsor for this project, please email us at contact@kevinpoelking.com