Evókatah was commissioned by the Monroe (WA) High School Band Boosters to celebrate 30 years of teaching excellence by their director, Steve Ross. Premiered by the Monroe Wind Ensemble at the Heritage Band Festival in British Columbia, the composition aims to summon (evoke) emotional excitement primarily through rhythmic channels, but also via poetic melody lines and dark harmonies. Derived from the word evoke, the title EVÓKATAH (the Ó is pronounced as in evocative or Bartók) was created to capture the essence of the musics rhythmical nature, as the generation of excitement through rhythm is a key characteristic of the piece. All sections of the ensemble have been given important and challenging parts, and each member of the band therefore has the opportunity to significantly contribute to the overall tension and drive of the music. The percussion section alone features 17 different instruments which provide a plethora of texture, color, dynamics and power. It is interesting to note that the word evoke also means to create anew, especially by way of the imagination. How appropriate then for this word to be used as the basis for the title of an original music composition
