Project puts town story to music

More than 40 years ago, a young Gary Edwards performed with the Coeur d’Alene High School orchestra. Now, the CHS orchestra is performing Gary Edwards.

The 1959 Coeur d’Alene High graduate has composed a 30-minute musical history of North Idaho in honor of his alma mater’s 100th birthday.

Students just finished recording “The Coeur d’Alene Suite” for a commemorative CD, which will be sold to raise money for the CHS music department

“This is a cool thing,” said Jim Phillips, the school’s director of instrumental music. “When it’s all said and done, the students are going to be very proud.”

Students have been practicing “The Coeur d’Alene Suite” for months. Edwards, who was born in Spokane and attended Coeur d’Alene schools growing up, composed the piece in nine sections, taking listeners on an aural journey through the years, from “The Dawn of Time” to “Sunset.”

The music tells the history of Native Americans in North Idaho and fur traders, missionaries and miners. Edwards also dedicates sections to settlers and cowboys.

One section, called “The Logger,” is based on a day in the life of a logger – Edwards’ own father.

Students have been learning “The Coeur d’Alene Suite” a section at a time. Phillips said they have yet to perform the entire suite at once. Even during the recording session, the suite was recorded section by section.

Phillips said the CDs – 200 are being made – will be done in time for the orchestra’s first live performance of “The Coeur d’Alene Suite” on May 24.

Tanner Brown, a bass player in the orchestra, said it was interesting when the orchestra had the chance to meet Edwards. The composer visited the class after students had already learned some of the piece. Students played and Edwards gave suggestions.

Brown said he thought it was neat that Edwards also plays bass.

Edwards began his professional career in music at 18, playing string bass in the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Throughout his career, Edwards has written everything from children’s music to rock and gospel, and he has released two albums. He has his own company, Edwards Publishing, which is based in Coeur d’Alene.

Phillips said Edwards is providing students with a unique experience. Unlike many of the composers whose work the orchestra performs, Edwards is very much alive.

“He’s not a dead, white European guy from 200 years ago,” Phillips said.