About the Project
The National Catholic Band Association Commissioning Consortium has been established to expand the availability of repertoire that may be used at the liturgy or concerts and to allow Catholic Schools from around the country the opportunity to participate in the premiere of a new work. By creating a commissioning consortium it is possible to make such a project financially feasible for many Catholic school music programs.
Difficulty level - This year’s piece is a grade level 1.5 to 2 intended for middle school or junior high age ensembles. It is also our hope that some high schools will be a part of this project as well.
Premiere performances - Each first performance by a participating ensemble will be considered a premiere. The names of all participating ensembles and directors will be printed in the score.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret that there was no NCBA Commissioning Project.
Past commissions include:
2011 Two Hymns by Jerry Nowak (Grade 2)
2012 Ye Sons and Daughter & Lift High The Cross by Randy Navarre (Grade 3)
2013 Hail Holy Queen by Gerald Sebesky (Grade 1½)
2015 African Marching Song “Siyhamba” by Ken Dye (Grade 1½)
2016 Two Carols For Christmas by Roger Cichy (Grade 2)
2018 Sing! “How Can I Keep From Singing” by Quincy Hilliard (Grade 1½)
2024. POINT TO THE SKIES by Rick Kirby (Grade 2).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret that there was no NCBA Commissioning Project.
(all published by Northeastern Music Publications, www.nemusicpub.com and Spirit of the Music publications)
Difficulty level - This year’s piece is a grade level 1.5 to 2 intended for middle school or junior high age ensembles. It is also our hope that some high schools will be a part of this project as well.
Premiere performances - Each first performance by a participating ensemble will be considered a premiere. The names of all participating ensembles and directors will be printed in the score.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret that there was no NCBA Commissioning Project.
Past commissions include:
2011 Two Hymns by Jerry Nowak (Grade 2)
2012 Ye Sons and Daughter & Lift High The Cross by Randy Navarre (Grade 3)
2013 Hail Holy Queen by Gerald Sebesky (Grade 1½)
2015 African Marching Song “Siyhamba” by Ken Dye (Grade 1½)
2016 Two Carols For Christmas by Roger Cichy (Grade 2)
2018 Sing! “How Can I Keep From Singing” by Quincy Hilliard (Grade 1½)
2024. POINT TO THE SKIES by Rick Kirby (Grade 2).
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret that there was no NCBA Commissioning Project.
(all published by Northeastern Music Publications, www.nemusicpub.com and Spirit of the Music publications)
Our composer for 2025:
Steven Pyter
The Commissioning Report
COST- Total cost of the 2025-26 National Catholic Band Association Commissioning Consortium is $50 ($50 to be paid by the member school with $50 to be matched by NCBA. Cost to non-members is $100. Each participating school received a full score and all parts. Packaging and mailing costs are included.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER- Steven Pyter is a veteran music educator, composer, and arranger from the Chicago suburbs. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Throughout his career, he has taught a variety of instrumental, vocal, and general music classes at the high school level, as well as adjunct work at VanderCook College of Music.
Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Illinois Music Education Conference, the Illinois SuperState Festival, Bands of America, Disney Performing Arts, and numerous other festivals. Marching Bands under his direction have been named State of Illinois Class Champion, State of Illinois Finalist, Bands of America Super Regional Class Champion, and Bands of America Grand National Semi-Finalist.
Steven received his Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb) and his Master of Music Education Degree with teacher certification from VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, IL). His compositions and arrangements have been performed at concerts and festivals throughout the United States and internationally, including the Midwest Clinic Band and Orchestra Conference. Mr. Pyter is the recipient of the 2022 National Band Association Young Band Composition Award, which he earned for his work titled PROXIMA B. His concert works are available through numerous publishers.
2026 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
TO PARTICIPATE - Participation is Now OPEN for the 2025/26 Commissioning Work.
Keith Miller - President
104 Garris Rd
Downingtown, PA 19335
[email protected]
ABOUT THE COMPOSER- Steven Pyter is a veteran music educator, composer, and arranger from the Chicago suburbs. He currently serves as the Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Throughout his career, he has taught a variety of instrumental, vocal, and general music classes at the high school level, as well as adjunct work at VanderCook College of Music.
Ensembles under his direction have performed at the Illinois Music Education Conference, the Illinois SuperState Festival, Bands of America, Disney Performing Arts, and numerous other festivals. Marching Bands under his direction have been named State of Illinois Class Champion, State of Illinois Finalist, Bands of America Super Regional Class Champion, and Bands of America Grand National Semi-Finalist.
Steven received his Bachelor of Music degree from Northern Illinois University (DeKalb) and his Master of Music Education Degree with teacher certification from VanderCook College of Music (Chicago, IL). His compositions and arrangements have been performed at concerts and festivals throughout the United States and internationally, including the Midwest Clinic Band and Orchestra Conference. Mr. Pyter is the recipient of the 2022 National Band Association Young Band Composition Award, which he earned for his work titled PROXIMA B. His concert works are available through numerous publishers.
2026 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS:
TO PARTICIPATE - Participation is Now OPEN for the 2025/26 Commissioning Work.
Keith Miller - President
104 Garris Rd
Downingtown, PA 19335
[email protected]
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