program notes by composition > W > Whatsoever Things...

Whatsoever Things...

Mark Camphouse

The melody of the Alma Mater hymn taken from the famous “St. Anthony Chorale” by Franz Joseph Haydn recurs throughout. Whatsoever Things... is dedicated to the memory of John Paynter (1928-1996) who served as NU’s Director of Bands for 43 years and is remembered fondly as a visionary leader in the development of community wind bands around the world. The piece contains a slow mournful opening, a life-affirming middle section, and a reverential third section which concludes with poignant serenity. The title is taken from Northwestern’s motto, itself from Philippians 4:8:

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Mark Camphouse (b. 1954) is a native of Chicago. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Northwestern University and studied trumpet privately with legendary Chicago Symphony Principal Trumpet Adolph Herseth. His works for wind band have received widespread critical and popular acclaim He is Professor of Music at George Mason University in Virginia where he conducts the wind symphony and teaches courses in conducting and composition.

Last updated on July 18, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band