Austin Symphonic Band Performing Elegy for a Young American

Austin Symphonic Band ( https://austinsymphonicband.org/ ). February 1, 2026. ASB performing Elegy for a Young American by Ronald Lo Presti. [NOTE: Click 'more' to read the program notes.] Dr. Bradley Kent, Guest Conductor. “These United States” Concert at the Connally HS Performing Arts Center in Austin, TX. Austin Symphonic Band depends on the financial support of viewers like you. Visit https://austinsymphonicband.org/donate Attend the next Austin Symphonic Band concert! Visit https://austinsymphonicband.org Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings From the program notes written by Clifton Jones: Elegy for a Young American Ronald Lo Presti (1933-1985) Elegy for a Young American is a testament to the vision and commitment of our 35th president, as well a deeply emotional meditation on his tragic passing. The work is often described as moving through the various stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Gentle homophonic choruses give way to discordant outbursts and massive climaxes as the composer struggles to make sense of Kennedy’s death. Finally the anguish settles into a peaceful resolution, suggesting that even in the face of tragedy there is some room for acceptance. — notes by Kevin Simpson for the US Army Band concert program (Feb. 23, 2019). Ronald Lo Presti was an American composer of works for band, orchestra and various small ensembles. He was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and later studied composition with Bernard Rogers and Howard Hanson at the Eastman School in Rochester, New York. He was briefly on the faculty at Texas Tech in Lubbock, and later taught at Arizona State University in Tempe.