Big Bertha, commissioned for the 95th anniversary of the Harvard band, is a celebration of 95 years of community – the Harvard community.    When I began to think about how I might compose music that could carry the energy and spirit of the band, I looked for a musical constant, something that encompasses the past and future as well as the downright fun at the heart of the community.

I fell in love with Big Bertha, her colossal size and sound and the fact that the physics a single drum stroke sets the air in motion, supporting any instrument that joins it.  She is both real and mythic.

My offering to this 95th anniversary celebration, Big Bertha, is built on two Harvard fight songs; Yo-Ho! (R. K. FLETCHER '08) and Up the Street (R. G. MORSE 1896 and W. L. W. Field 1898) and my own new tune, Not a Harvard Fight Song.  Brief percussion battles are interspersed throughout, suggesting football games.  I’ve re-interpreted Yo ho! the good ship Harvard as 1950’s television theme song and Up the Street as a turn-of- the-last-century waltz.  Not a Harvard Fight Song is a march/fight song.

Composing Big Bertha has been an honor.   I am delighted to have been part of the Harvard band community.