Where the White Lilies Bloom, op. 277 Commissioned by the West Rusk High School Band, New London, TX Grady Haffner, Director 2026 – grade 3 - 5:20 COMING SOON Written in solemn remembrance of the 294 lives lost in the 1937 London School explosion - a tragedy that forever changed a community and unified a nation in grief, Where the White Lilies Bloom seeks to provide a meaningful and respectful means to channel those emotions through music. A mournful and somber melody opens the piece, leading to a solo flute playing the traditional American hymn, "Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head" which references the eternal rest of the many children lost. This is accompanied by a polychordal progression which represents the fog of sadness. A transition gradually evolves into a glorious moment representing the resilience of the community as the opening theme is played in counterpoint with the hymn accompanied by fanfares and flourishes, honoring the memory of those lives that were lost. A thoughtful and subdued conclusion is reached as the music ends with a moment of solace and peace.