All images courtesy of the West Point Band

Ever since Scott Rodeheaver graduated from Lancaster Bible College in 2014 with his degree in music composition, he’s been entering his original works of music into competitions. But when his piece entitled “Generations” was selected as a one of the winning pieces to be performed by the famous West Point Band on the Celebration of Armed Forces Day on May 21, he was thrilled. “I was extremely blessed and overwhelmed when I found out I had been chosen as one of three winners to have their pieces chosen to make a world premiere at West Point’s concert!” he said.

The renowned military band has a long legacy that is intertwined with our nation’s history, with roots that stretch back the days of George Washington. The band – which turned 200 years old this June – claims the title of longest continuously serving band in the Army.

Above: LBC graduate Scott Rodenheaver (third from left) poses with the other winners of the competition. 

Rodeheaver’s patriotic winning piece was written to honor the memory of Army PV2 Jonah Sovik, a family friend who passed away in 2014. “I felt that by writing this piece in his memory and for Jonah’s family, I could express something beyond words and provide them with a timeless gift that was in his honor,” he explained.

According to the LBC alumnus, the education he received under the tutelage of his professors at the college helped him to become the musician he is today. “Through [the] relationships [I had with my professors and classmates,] I have learned [the importance of] pursuing excellence in your craft because that is your act of worship,” said Rodeheaver, “And that being a highly skilled musician who lives their faith in the ‘secular’ music industry is just as valuable as those who minister in the church. There are many more life lessons, biblical principles and music theory practices of which I learned from LBC that are ever affecting my life on a consistent basis.”