The ARS is winding up its celebration of 75 years as an organization dedicated to promoting the excellence of our beloved instrument, so it is fitting that this aggressive and flashy piece was selected for Play-the-Recorder Month, showing the instrument at its most confident. Indeed, bass drums (or cannons, or even stomping) would not be out of place at the rhythmic hit points, such as in measures 1 - 5 in the tenor and bass, or in measures 7 - 12 in the soprano and alto.

Excellentia is dedicated to the members of the American Recorder Society. It is the composer's hope that this piece will provide the ARS membership with a celebratory song that they will cherish and enjoy, as well as provide music educators with a teaching tool that can be used to motivate and encourage their students. (text continued in download)