Peter Graham (b. 1958) is a British composer who is widely revered for his contributions to the British Brass Band. His compositions for wind band have also won him recognition. Harrison’s Dream, a piece written for the US Air Force Band, won him the American Bandmaster’s Association Ostwald Award in 2002.
Graham wrote Pentium in 1999 for a British high school band. He provides the details:
Commissioned by the West Lothian Schools Wind Band, Pentium was premiered by the group at the 1999 BASBWE Conference held in Manchester, England. Described by conductor Brian Duguid as “a short ride on a PC”, Pentium displays some common traits with the minimalist techniques of John Adams. A five-note figure, first heard in the clarinets and saxophones after the opening swirl and flourish, provides the essential building block for the rondo-like movement. Pentium takes its name from the “silicon glen” where computer chips are manufactured, near the West Lothian Schools Wind Band base.
Peter Graham on Wikipedia.
Gramercy Music, Graham’s music publishing company.
2 interviews with Graham: 2002, after winning the Ostwald, and 2006 about another large work of his, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
List of Graham’s works for wind band available at Gramercy Music.
The Columbus State University Wind Ensemble plays Pentium: