Texas native Jeffrey L. Traster is a conductor, composer, and educator who taught for 33 years in three states (Texas, Ohio, and Florida) before being named Music Professor Emeritus at the University of Tampa. While there, he was Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands for 19 years. He has won numerous awards for teaching, and he remains active conducting honor bands and writing new music. See his full bio at his website.
Traster wrote Poco Adagio in 2015. In his words, “Poco Adagio was composed for and premiered by the Hillsborough County, Florida 11th-12th Grade Honor Band on January 23, 2016 at Armwood High School with the composer conducting. It is an introspective piece that progresses through a broad arc of emotion and ends in quiet resolve.”
Hear the piece and see the score at the same time in this video:
For more on Traster and his works, visit his website.