Ellacombe​ (2015)

The hymn-tune which would become known as Ellacombe was first published in 1784 in Southern Germany, and after its inclusion in the English collection Hymns Ancient and Modern, it was named after the small village of Ellacombe, located in Devonshire, England.  Of particular interest and inspiration as it concerns this wind band setting of the tune, is the use of Ellacombe as a children's hymn.  The following lines from the children's hymn served as the primary motivation for the piece:

Soon in the golden city
the boys and girls shall play,
and through the dazzling mansions
rejoice in endless day

It is hoped that Ellacombe will serve as an optimistic and energetic vision of better and brighter days to come, and that it will be especially enjoyable for student musicians to play in an ensemble setting.

-Christopher M. Nelson