STORMWORKS 88' makes use of ANY ensemble at your disposal. (Hard to stress that enough... "ANY")... with a prerecorded Track that functions as a Click Track. The piece includes SCORE, PARTS and a Prerecorded Percussion Track. But remember, LIVE Percussion can also play along with STORMWORKS 88' For more on this "World Ensemble" piece/concept/Great Teaching Tool, feel free to call or write.

From Russ Maclin, a student cellist who took part in the premiere of STORMWORKS 88':

Perhaps my most recently acquired frustration with high school is its apparent lack of inertia. I don’t mean the building itself; I’m sure that if the bricks and cement were thrown, they would take enormous force to halt. Instead, I am referring to the fact that people commonly make that mistake, thinking that the name “CB South” refers to those bricks and cement. What happens within these walls is not enough to overcome them: the base level of inspired energy—among students and among almost all teachers—seems to be a firmly rooted zero. Attendance is an obligation; classroom connections are fleeting; personalities are façades jaded students erect against the negative energy that pulses from within them and from the otherwise-deadened white walls. People rush away at 2:30 like repelled magnets, and when school is not in session, most internal communities are abandoned—not only is the building empty; school in the metaphysical definition is deserted as well.

I want to be a part of an academic community that has momentum, a community whose personality exists separate from itself, eternal, intangible, infectious, engulfing. Instead of an environment in which every pursuit must be hauled and heaved up from scratch just to possess a spark, an inertial environment has a continuously rumbling energy under it, like smoldering embers ready to be enflamed at a moment’s notice. In contrast, we commonly find ourselves collecting timber time and time again. Quite suddenly, though, I have found myself initiated into the Third Millennium, which is quite possibly the most momentous—derived here from “momentum”—community I have ever witnessed: altogether without physical boundaries, the Third Millennium is connected by a common philosophy and purpose; it is sustained by pure momentum without any forced connection. It has a language all its own (I am still unsure about the definition of some of the markings in “Stormworks”), a history all its own (our fledging membership is proceeded by decades of experiences before us), and a philosophy that is in stark contrast to the normal, tepid maxims fed to schoolchildren. And the originality and driving force behind this language, history, and philosophy create a legacy of energy so sweeping that those dedicated to membership are swept along—in effect, “Stormworks” is exceptionally literal: those who take part in this body of work are swept into a cerebral, philosophical, and communal storm.

In STORMWORKS 88', momentum is all. The “relentless” rhythm brings momentum to the literal realm, but there’s also an intangible realm of momentum driving through this piece: echoes of movies, of emotions, of performances reverberate off the page and add depth and wind to the storm-like inertia. And playing along with the percussion track brings a conceptual momentum as well as a physical boundary of forward motion: practicing at home, I am forced to constantly conform and live up to the standards of the professional musicians whom I have never met yet are who are miraculously accompanying me. The track is a glimpse of the end product—it will never change; we are the ones who must match its established force and inflection. Clearly, the base level for this piece is far above zero. It’s incredible that compared to my time spent in school—in the proximity of thousands, there appears to be little intellectual spark or vigor—practicing STORMWORKS 88' by myself, at home, feels almost claustrophobically inhabited by sheer human will.

I am enthralled by this experience because it reasserts everything I love about MUSIC. I love the community, the communication that will eventually occur across the stage, but for now is replaced by a different connection—one of experiences across time and space. Lofty goals are hardly set for students anymore, yet here we are pinned up against professional quality and must, in a matter of months, leap to the occasion, and contrary to popular belief, people love to leap. A community so individual and so idealistic is a pleasure to get swept into, and I love the storm that is engulfing us all. A storm without sides, without limits; a storm that has lasted for over two decades, silently smoldering in the background of society, ready to jump to flame anywhere around the globe—a universal storm that shocks everyone in its range with lightning that reaches into the Romantic depths of passion, commitment, and idealism...

This is shaping up to be the perfect storm, 2013.

This is available only in PDF. It comes with a prerecorded soundtrack, as explained below.

The Universe Below provides a unique, ‘deconflicted’ experience.

Using a prerecorded track integrated through a logistically elegant and remarkably simple system, the work transforms a traditional ensemble into something vast, immersive, and otherworldly. The band becomes The Universe Below.

Commissioned by the Bay Shore Schools Arts Education Fund for Bay Shore High School, this composition was inspired by the visionary explorations of the sea found in William J. Broad’s book, The Universe Below. From that spark, the STORMSystem expands into new sonic territory, merging live musicians with the haunting calls of whales and the luminous resonance of 17 prerecorded harps rising like light through water.

The result is an unexpected descent into the submerged, an adventure where the boundary between acoustic performance and oceanic vastness dissolves. Sound becomes depth. Harmony becomes current. The ensemble becomes environment.

Delivered with score and audio (CD or mp3 for ease of use), the work offers directors an innovative yet accessible way to create a breathtaking sonic landscape.

For those who have journeyed through A Walk on the Water, The Universe Below may serve as an optional and compelling Part II, an invitation to venture beneath the surface.

Kakehashi: That We Might Live: Then. Now.  Always. A Documentary in Music on DVD 

Dear Student of History, and those recognize the Sacrifices and the Prices of Freedom,

The story of the POWs from WWII in the Pacific is a library unto itself. The making of this work is an extended part of that history. Please remember to go to stormworld.com. Under “Resources,” you will find “Digital Libretti,” where you can download your important companion liner notes in PDF. https://stormworld.com/digital-libretti.

This work was dedicated and premiered in its “Visually-Scored” form at the 2007 ADBC (American Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor) gathering. Vets stood from wheelchairs with tears in their eyes. Each of them, as well as their immediate family, was given a copy. In fact, over 350 copies were given from the Time of the recording in Japan until the last of our local Heroes passed on.

'Kakehashi: That We Might Live, Then, Now & Always' is a Documentary in Music honoring those who served in WWII, those who served in Korea and Vietnam, and who continue to serve now all across the world. The work is specific to and inspired by the Valiant Souls of Bataan and Corregidor. This historically accurate Musical work is made complete by incorporating authentic radio and musical clips from WWII; excerpts and lyrics pertinent to the events of Bataan and Corregidor during the 3 years, 8 months, and 25 days where 31,095 Souls were sacrificed.   The Struggle and Sacrifice, surrendered, surviving, and not-survived, was the inspiration for this Music. The 'STORMWORKS Chapter 5:8- Writings on the Wall' is rendered by 143 World Class Japanese Military Musicians who were taken from each of their service bands across Japan and re-formed into a new ensemble for the purposes of recording the FIRST-ever-to-be-released Album offered outside of Japan. They were joined by 300 Chorus from Shenandoah and Old Dominion Universities, Virginia.

The Music on the 'Kakehashi: That We Might Live' DVD was recorded first by The Central Band of Japan Air Self Defense Force and then later by multi-national ensembles around the world committed to the same purpose of homage and tribute.

In 2007, 'Kakehashi: That We Might Live' evolved into its current “visually scored” form. When a traditional documentary is created, film and pictures are compiled, edited, and produced to tell a story. Narration is written, recorded, and placed into the film. Music is then scored to accompany the film.

'Kakehashi: That We Might Live' embarks on a new artistic approach called VisaREEL™; where film and pictures are researched, compiled, and scored to the Music. This technique conveys visually the context and significance of what the listener experiences Musically.     When viewing this Documentary In Music, there is no narration or sound emanating from the film clips. All silent film clips, pictures, and photos are placed to the Music. This serves the purpose of transporting the listener/viewer back to a place and Time, that as a Nation, we must never forget. As a small example of the use of sound beyond the Music itself, watch for a Temple Bell being struck. What we “hear” against this 1940s picture is the strike of a piece of I-beam from the World Trade Center after 11 September 2001.

Enjoy. Remember. Thank You and Godspeed! Stephen Melillo

These are the Program Notes from the AUDIO Recording made in Japan in May of 2005. These Program Notes were written by the Central Band of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

143 World Class Japanese Military Musicians. 300 Chorus from Shenandoah & Old Dominion Universities.

Sixty Years ago during the very month of this recording, a terrible war was fought which even to this day still leaves its many scars. During this World War II, the United States and Japan fought each other on and under the Pacific Ocean, on the islands of the Pacific, and in Southeast Asia. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese and American soldiers and civilians were sacrificed to this war.

Alive today because of the sacrifices of so many, we have an obligation to overcome the past. Never allowing it to be forgotten, we must, together, rise above it and build a glorious future for the sake of those who came before us... and for those who will come after. Past to future, nation to nation, culture to culture, and with mutual respect for each other’s homeland, a new bridge will be built to the future. This is Kakehashi... the Bridge to the Future.

There is no limit in time or terrain. That bridge is within each of us. It will be built when we raise our courage, even beyond courage itself, and learn to see the Brotherhood in all of us. 'KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live', is based on the relationship between Americans and Japanese who fought in great adversity during WWII. Both fought for their nation, for the completion of their mission, and for the people they loved... at Home.

Now, those same two countries cooperate in Brotherhood across the vast Pacific Ocean. The past is overcome with the Hope of the Future. These two countries now become a timely and much-needed model for forgiveness and friendship.

'KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live' is rendered as a Documentary in Music. It effectively incorporates the actual radio broadcasts and music that aired during WWII. In fact, 70 copyrights were purchased in order to make this work truly authentic. At the end of this epic work, there are two songs. They symbolize the Home that we LOVE and that we must understand in each other. God Bless America with its “Home Sweet Home” is identical to 'Furusato' which represents Home in Japanese. To put these tunes at the end of this large-scale work reflects the idea that we love our Home and that we have the feeling of longing for Home even if differing in country or race or religion or ideology.

KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live... This epic Documentary is rendered by a specially organized wind ensemble and huge choral section. To this dramatic work, the remarkable effects of additional prerecorded original music, radio programs, military songs, and actual Morse code transmissions from WWII in the Pacific are adjoined. The prerecorded tracks are on a CD that comes with the score. We are honored to be the message-bearers... to bring this music to you, and to work for an eternal peace.

“Remember the Future for Truth is Timeless . . .” 
A Personal Message from the Chapter 5:8 Liner Notes by Stephen Melillo

It takes a photon 38 million years to escape the forcible, unforgiving gravity of the sun and blast its way to the surface where eight minutes later it bathes the earth in the Light by which you find yourself reading this libretto. In the Timestorm of those 38 million years and eight minutes, give or take a few hundred years... a mere and tiny moment of imperceptible dancing on the cosmic stage... the Human drama has seen unthinkable violence, pain, hurt, self-inflicted suffering... emptiness and longing.

And with it? Untold Love, Sacrifice, Giving, and Heroism.

Without Warning, we are cast into the epic adventure. In the hollow of the heart, sense must be made of the constantly swirling storm, the unraveling of the mysterious. Free will. Choice? Fate? The seemingly endless succession of useless, inevitable, somehow destined to be traversed catastrophes as Man brutalizes his Brother... and then... steps forward to rise above such folly.

In your hands is a recording, the meaning of which escapes the moment of your listening. It leaps across Time... past, future, possible future, and present. Rising above our mutual and many sins of the past, the Vision of Brotherhood is not merely written about... but finally, in a way that only Human History could have produced... demonstrated.

We are a part of the convergent Moment. History is made.

Read more by visiting STORMWORKS Digital Libretti where you can find Chapter 5:8 Writings on the Wall. http://stephenmelillo.com/digital_libretti/

Godspeed! S

Stephen Melillo Composer

More links if you ever want to go deeper into the Story of the Story…

Kakehashi: THAT WE MIGHT LIVE 
https://stormworld.com/chapters-5-8-writings-on-the-wall

STORMWORKS Digital Libretti where you can find Chapter 5:8 Writings on the Wall
http://stephenmelillo.com/digital_libretti/

“The History of History.” (200 pages of emails that went back and forth between Colonel Junichiro Eguchi and I, and through a Translator.) https://www.dropbox.com/s/vfoc9156lipxcek/HISTORY_of_HISTORY_lr.pdf?dl=0

Excerpt from Kakehashi” That We Might Live (from Kakehashi: That We Might Live) https://vimeo.com/124332343

Kakehashi: THAT WE MIGHT LIVE (DVD available on Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IK8WZ8/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

GOD BLESS AMERICA (from Kakehashi: That We Might Live) https://youtu.be/teGePaJlwUU

LAST WORLD STANDING (The Sequel to Kakehashi: That We Might Live) (Uses VisaREEL™ & PHOTO®hythm) https://stephenmelillo.com/chapter-13-whispers-on-the-wind

LAST WORLD STANDING on YouTube https://youtu.be/pYAn5136l7U

VisaREEL™ & PHOTO®hythm https://youtu.be/MQJ-irP5IAY

HYMN to MARINES on Youtube https://youtu.be/gUM0IqWerXQ

ETERNAL FATHER (youtube) https://youtu.be/SIt1IB4j8Jo

FOREVER STRONG EXPLORE (A Tribute to the USS Indianapolis) https://stormworld.com/forever-strong-explore

FOREVER STRONG (6:53 Demo from the film) https://vimeo.com/133759682