Homeward by Sheridan Seyfried, performed by The U.S. Army Strings

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Sheridan Seyfried: Homeward (2025)

Conductor: COL Bruce R. Pulver

From the composer:

“It's often the case that, when composing, I write the music first and only come up with the title afterwards. Instrumental music seems to have its own sort of internal logic - its own language that doesn't need justification by other means. However, I don't object to a title if it gives the listener a reasonably good metaphor by which to comprehend the music. As I searched for such, I went over the piece many times, noticing its qualities: a feeling throughout of pulsing energy and excitement, a hint or two of danger along the way, a tranquil episode in the middle (perhaps a meadow scene?) and, eventually, a joyous conclusion. I imagined the piece could represent a journey home - motivated by a desire to be reunited with loved ones, or to see a cherished place again, we press on with determination in the face of challenges, and with joy in our hearts.”

This piece was commissioned by the U.S. Army Strings in honor of their 75th Anniversary. This is a recording of the world premiere at Georgetown University’s Gonda Theater on September 12, 2025.

The U.S. Army Strings

Violin
SGM Matthew Evans
MSG Annette Barger
MSG Rob Martin
MSG Catherine Gerhiser
SFC Judy Cho
SFC Sergey Prokofyev
SFC Lisa Park
SSG Jordan Hendy
SSG Charles Gleason
SSG Freya Liu

Viola
SSG Erica Schwartz
SSG Becca Barnett
SSG Austin Simmons

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SSG Julia Clancy

Cello
MSG Ben Wensel
SFC Hrant Parsamian
SFC Aaron Ludwig
SSG James Hettinga

Bass
SSG Pat Spallinger

Production Manager: MSG A.J. Maynard
Technical Director: SFC Matthias Bleicken
Video Director and Editor: SFC Todd Gerlach
Video Production: MSG Clark McDaniel, SSG Seara Marcsis, SFC Cheryl Pirard
Audio Production: SFC Alex Righter, SSG Alan Schmiedl
Stage Manager: SSG Kathrine Walsh