Don Parsons Memorial Commission

My name is Kevin Klee, and I am working with several friends and colleagues of Don Parsons to commission a piece of music in his memory. Don was a wonderful trombonist, music arranger, educator and all-around nice guy whose life was tragically cut short. Don's work benefitted countless young musicians throughout the state of Indiana as he worked with high school marching bands and jazz bands. Those of us who were privileged to know and work with Don remember him for his sense of humor, his love of adventure, his genuine affection for young musicians, and his seemingly boundless sense of musicality. What better way to remember him than by creating a piece of music that will continue to benefit young musicians?

We have contacted Steve Wiest to compose a gr. 3 - 4 level jazz band chart that features trombone. Steve is a multiple Grammy-nominated trombonist, composer, author, and cartoonist. Mr. Wiest is a former soloist and writer for the legendary Maynard Ferguson. He has also toured with Doc Severinson and the Tonight Show Orchestra. Steve currently leads the critically-acclaimed horn band, Vinyl Hampdin. Mr. Wiest has served as the director of the famed One O'Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas. Steve recently served as the co-chair of the Jazz Studies Department at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music.

Our goal is to raise $3500 to pay for the commission. We invite anyone who has known or worked with Don to contribute to this project. Anyone contributing $200 or more will receive a PDF of the score and parts to the chart. Mr. Wiest is looking to complete the composition by November of 2023. Therefore, we need to have all funds raised by October 1, 2023. Steve intends to eventually publish this arrangement and make it available to bands across the country. However, you can get your copy first by donating $200 to the Don Parsons Memorial Commission Project.

Please help us make this project a success by generously contributing to the Don Parsons Memorial Commission Project.