Jacob de Haan

Pioneers of The Lowlands

This march is a tribute to the 'pioneers' in the world of wind music in the Low Lands (Netherlands), the original founders of the bands and the people who take the lead in organizing behind the scenes of the societies and associations. The driving forces behind new initiatives, such as recently founded bands for senior citizens, also deserve praise. These volunteers put their heart and soul into it. Sometimes their families are just as active in the societies as they are. Commissioned by the family of one of these volunteers, Jacob de Haan composed the march Pioneers of the Lowlands in memory of Gijs Koppers from Schalkwijk. The march is characterized by a powerful syncopated melody in a minor key, followed by significantly lyrical trio in a major key.