Lone Star Wind Orchestra - 2026 CBDNA SW - "Urban Light" by James M. David

"Urban Light by James M. David - Performed by the Lone Star Wind Orchestra at the 2026 CBDNA Southwestern Conference on February 25, 2026 at the Murchison Performing Arts Center in Denton, Texas, under the direction of Music Director Eugene Migliaro Corporon (www.lswo.com).Videography provided by UNT Recording Services. Shared by permission of composer. The composer writes, “Urban Light (2021) is a brilliant display of colors, forward momentum, and intertwining rhythmic layers that is inspired by the iconic Los Angeles landmark of the same name. Created by conceptual art pioneer Chris Burden in 2008, the original work is an assemblage of historic street lamps that were transplanted from various cities in California and also Portland, Oregon. The tight spacing and repetitive forms interact with the famously dynamic LA sunlight transitioning to the exciting nighttime glow of the city. Primary melodic and rhythmic motives are derived from Morse code for the word “California,” creating an asymmetrical and syncopated groove that continuously builds in energy. Parallel “barre” chords reveal a classic rock/metal influence that reaches its zenith with a heavy percussion backbeat. Polyrhythmic layers and prismatic colors move over, around, and under each other, leading towards a hopefully thrilling and intense finale." James M. David is an internationally recognized composer of works for winds and percussion who currently serves as Associate Professor of Composition and Music Theory at Colorado State University. As a native of southern Georgia, Dr. David began his music training under his father Joe A. David, III, a renowned high school band director and professor of music education in the region. This lineage can be heard in his music through the strong influence of jazz and other Southern traditional music mixed with contemporary idioms.