Inveniam Viam

Concert Band Grade 4

4/4, 3/4, 2/4 Time, Db major, C Major, Bb Major, F Major, Ab Major, 5:30

In the fall of 2025, I was approached by my friends Meaghan Graham and Mitchell Wedgewood to create a piece for their senior band.  While talking with Meaghan and Mitchell and their students, the themes of perseverance through trials, of starting band amidst the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic, a heartbeat, friendship, love, community, and “this is our moment” all came up (amongst others).

These ideas led to the inspiration for the piece—beginning with darkness, feeling adrift in time and space, cut off from everything around you, being unsure of what is going to happen next. But one person bravely steps forward to play, and their song is echoed and carried by others, who, still unsure of what the future holds, still choose to carry the melody, together. Through this, we find a resolute determination to continue working together and facing life’s hardships as one. This leads to a joyous section, representing the feeling we have when we are working together in community. The joy continues, but we are reminded of the difficulties we have encountered. We persevere through trials, and, remembering our purpose, find our joy again, reaching ever higher to discover and make the best parts of our world.

The title, “Inveniam Viam”, is taken from a quote attributed to the Carthaginian general Hannibal, who, on being told that it was impossible to cross the Alps by elephant, responded with the phrase “inveniam viam aut faciam”, which means “I shall either find a way or make one”. This statement of ultimate determination to succeed, no matter what the obstacles, embodies the courage and grit of the students of Vincent Massey High School, and of their teachers as well.
 

Please note that the score is ledger size (11×17 inches) but the parts are letter for easy printing (8.5×11).