Serenity, a composition written in honor of the late daughter of Dr. Robert J. Cesario, band conductor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, will debut at a Nov. 30 concert on the campus. Anna Cesario died from ovarian cancer in 2009, after more than five years battling the disease.

The Missouri S&T Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Leach Theater of Castleman Hall, 10th and Main streets in Rolla.

Serenity was written by Jason K. Nitsch, associate director of bands at Klein Collins High School in Spring, Texas. Nitsch will speak at 7 p.m., prior to the concert.

Three of Nitsch’s original works were selected for Bandworld Magazine‘s list of top 100 new publications for band. He has also composed original film scores for Passing By in 2000, and for the documentary The Library of the Early Mind in 2010.

“As with any tribute piece, the artist inside every composer ultimately seeks to embody the nature, soul and spirit of the person they are celebrating,” says Nitsch. “The piece is more about that essence and spirituality of someone that you love, and what their presence in your life brings to you each day.”

The combined brass section of both bands will begin with Fanfare for Brass Choir, by Nitsch. The Symphonic Band will continue with works by John O’Reilly, J. Pachelbel, Rick Kirby and Jerry Brubaker.

After a brief intermission, the Wind Symphony will take the stage with Olympic Fireworks, by David Stanhope, followed by Serenity. It will conclude with An American Elegy, composed by Frank Ticheli to honor those who died at Columbine High School, and a piece by William Bolcom.

Tickets are $5 for the general public and free for Missouri S&T students. Tickets are available at the door prior to the performance, or from the Leach Theatre Box Office, located in the vestibule inside the main entrance to Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall, facing 10th Street. Box office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For additional information about Missouri S&T bands, email Cesario at cesarior@mst.edu or call the S&T performing arts office at 573-341-4185.