program notes by composition > S > Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa - Mvt. II After "The Thunderer"

Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa

Movement II - After “The Thunderer”

Ira Hearshen

After “The Thunderer” is the second movement of four from Symphony On Themes of John Philip Sousa by Ira Hearshen. It is presented in a largamente tempo and the settings range from chorale-like, to mysterious, to reflective.

Ira Hearshen (b. 1948) received his Bachelor of Music degree at Wayne State University. He became interested in jazz and pop arranging in college, having played proms with his high school dance band. He went on to play trumpet gigs in Detroit and arrange for bands who were doing Motown. He studied commercial and film music and orchestration in Los Angeles and became established as a film music arranger/orchestrator. He has received two nominations for a Pulitzer Prize in Music.

Last updated on April 17, 2015 by Palatine Concert Band