Mona Shores Bands Winter Concert
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2025 | 7 PM
MONA SHORES HIGH SCHOOL
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Nikki Wright, conductor
FANFARE FOR THE FEARLESS
Brian Balmages
DARK ADVENTURE
Ralph Ford
Justin Sarns, conductor
SCORCH
Chris Evan Hass
OUR WINTER WONDERLAND
arr. Paul Mutha
Justin Sarns, conductor
PITCH BLACK
Chris Evan Hass
BRIGID'S CROSS
JaRod Hall
HIGH INTENSITY
Chandler Wilson
Jason Boyden, conductor
LEVEL UP!
I. Adventure Awaits
II. Moonlit Village
III. Final Boss
Chris Evan Hass
World Premiered States.
Commissioned by:
Jason Boyden, Justin Sarns, and Nikki Wright, Mona Shores High School (Consortium Director)
Jay Bennett and Ben Rosier, Vicksburg High School
Pujan Bhattarai and Lucas Keur, Zeeland High Schools
Jacob Blaylock and Jennifer Haynes, Edwardsburg High School
Bill Boswell and Scottie Walker, Mattawan Consolidated School
Markell Terrell Caradine (Student), Eastern Michigan University
Jonathan A. Carrothers, Anchor Bay High School
Andrew Davis, Brandon Faust, Reavis High School
Scott Downs, Tim Childs, and Levi Dougherty, Clovis East High School
Nick Falace, Chicago, IL
Alexander Floury, Macomb Area Community Band
Cara Froelich, Green Valley High School
David Hepinstall & Owen Rushford, Plainwell High School
Mark Hollandsworth, Southwestern Michigan College
Patrick Jensen, Birmingham Concert Band
Dr. Pamela L. Klena, Oakland University
Bryan Mangiavellano, Jackson Northwest High School
Tyler North, Sandia High School
Elliot Polot and Henry Blackson-Pakela, Ann Arbor Pioneer High School
Dr. Matthew Sedatole, Washington-Liberty High School
Natalie Snyder, Tooele Valley Wind Ensemble
Martin Sobelman, Beaverton Community Band
Michael Steele and Kaitlin Shanks, Lake Orion High School
Mark D. Stice, Okemos High School
Zach Thomas, Ledyard High School
Mike Wawrzynski, United Township High School
Marcus Welander, Platteville High School
Program Notes:
Embark on a video game-inspired journey in ‘Level Up!’, a three-movement suite for concert band that channels the energy, wonder, and charm of video game storytelling. Each movement explores a different chapter of an imagined story, beginning with a heroic call to adventure, regrouping in a peaceful village, and culminating in a climactic final battle.
The suite opens with “Adventure Awaits”, an homage to the iconic title themes that greet players upon booting up their console. A triumphant fanfare sets the stage before launching into a bold and rhythmically driven journey. Blending heroic themes with moments of danger and reflection, the music captures the excitement and anticipation of stepping into the unknown.
The second movement, “Moonlit Village” serves as a moment of respite, a musical pause in the heart of the quest. Inspired by the gentle and warm ambiance of cozy games, this piece evokes the comfort and quiet charm of a sleepy village at night. Lyrical lines and nostalgic harmonies create a bittersweet sense of peace and community, with just enough introspection to hint at the challenges ahead.
The adventure comes to a climactic close with “Final Boss”, the work that started it all. This movement captures the intensity and thrill of encountering the final challenge standing between the player and victory - unpredictable, dark, and relentless. Different themes morph and battle for dominance, mirroring the chaos and glory of a bombastic final confrontation. ‘Level Up!’ is a love letter to video games and the music that defines them, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic quest full of adventure, imagination, and nostalgia.
This suite was originally written for saxophone quartet, but adapted for concert band in 2025 for Jason Boyden, the Mona Shores High School Wind Ensemble, and a consortium of 26 band programs throughout the United States.
Chris Evan Hass (b. 1993) is a self-described ‘composer, arranger, conductor, and friend’ hailing from Ann Arbor, MI. Praised as “beautifully expressive” (the WholeNote) and “thrillingly off-kilter” (Double Reed Journal), Chris’ music aims to delight and inspire, often taking direct influence from his favorite artists and genres.
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Marked by rhythmic complexity and luscious harmonies, Chris’ music has been performed worldwide by some of today’s finest musicians. This includes members of the New York Philharmonic, U.S. Naval Academy Band, Sinta Quartet, Dallas Winds, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Army Band, Eastman Saxophone Project, and U.S. Air Force Band. His compositions have been performed at prestigious conferences including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Texas Music Educator’s Association Conference, and the Indonesia Orchestra and Ensemble Festival. As a prominent voice in the saxophone and brass community, Chris’ chamber works are frequently featured at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition and have become staples at instrumental showcases like the International Trombone Festival, World Saxophone Congress, and the International Trumpet Guild.
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As an educator, Chris has traveled internationally to rehearse and conduct ensembles ranging from 6th grade beginning bands to collegiate and professional ensembles. Chris teaches private composition and low brass lessons, music theory courses, and has given presentations on composition, networking, and freelancing at universities across the United States.
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Chris holds degrees in Composition from Central Michigan University (M.M.) and Western Michigan University (B.M.) where he studied with David Gillingham, Evan Ware, and Christopher Biggs. Chris currently resides in Jackson, MI with his wife, son, and three dogs (Pesto, Basil, and Olive).