PROGRAM NOTE
The song When I Look Into Your Holiness (S.A.S.B. 402) has traditionally been used to reflect on why we were created – to worship God. The Reason I Live approaches the theme of these words as a declaration; that when our minds are focused on Him, worship can be a truly transformative experience. The music seeks to emulate this transformation from the simplistic beginning to a pensive first chorus. An invigorating conclusion provides opportunity for listener and player alike to contemplate the beautiful lyrics as an individual and collective act of worship.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Michael Cooper was born and raised in Port Macquarie, Australia. As a child, he received his formative musical training from his grandfather and actively participated in all musical sections of the local corps. Michael subsequently moved to Brisbane, Australia where he currently resides. He is the bandmaster at the Brisbane City Temple corps where he worships alongside his wife and two children. Over the last several years, Michael has developed a passion for arranging music for small ensembles as well as worship and brass band composition. This is Michael’s second contribution to the MLB journal.