The Jayhawk Magic Bird Overture

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Composer's Note

The Jayhawk is the adopted symbol of the University of Kansas athletic teams, who at moments of dire peril are rallied by one of the best-known college yells, “Rock-Chalk, Jay-hawk, K-U!” This cheer forms the basis of the overture’s introduction. The Kansas state song, “Home on the Range,” also makes a brief appearance, although it is mockingly distorted by this most irreverent of birds. 

The overture depicts the Jayhawk’s birth in the rock chalk of the Kansas hills, woodwinds portraying the first fluttering of his wings. He might be called an ornithological Till Eulenspiegel; in fact, old-time Kansans of German stock will tell you that Eule means owl, and swear that Eulenspiegel himself was merely another of the diabolically clever disguises of the Jayhawk.

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Press

“A bubbling sense of humor both provocative and puckish brought the composer a standing ovation.”
— Allegro magazine

“It is a thoroughly enchanting piece, cleverly put together and quite sophisticated… full of happy melodies. The overture is by turns whimsical and brash, and completely charming.”
‍— Topeka State Journal

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