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When they perform at the Alabama Music Educators Association’s annual conference on Jan. 22, a group of Auburn students won’t be playing just any piece of music — they’ll perform a heartfelt song honoring the memory of a musician.

“When college bands perform at the convention, we want to show we’re leading the way for music teachers in the state,” said Professor Rick Good, Auburn’s director of bands. “It’s going to open their eyes to hear this song; they’ll be so moved.”

The song, titled “The Gift of Giving,” was recorded jointly by members of the Auburn University Symphonic Winds and the Reeltown High School band, from Notasulga, Alabama, in honor of Reeltown band member Melody Jackson. Before she passed away in February 2024 from a rare form of cancer, Jackson told the Make-A-Wish Foundation her wish was for new uniforms for the band.

“It's so moving that Melody’s wish was so unselfish — not to meet a celebrity or go to Disney World, but to have band members get uniforms,” Good said. “It’s just an incredible story that hits home to a lot of people.”

When Jackson’s wish was granted after she had passed, Reeltown High School band director Eric Thompson began working with internationally renowned composer Brian Balmages, who has collaborated with Auburn’s Department of Music in the past, to create “The Gift of Giving” to honor Jackson’s selfless gift.

As the work began to take shape, Balmages partnered with Good and Thompson to record the song, with all proceeds from its sale going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last October, the high school band came to campus to rehearse and record alongside the members of the Symphonic Winds, with Balmages conducting.

“For a small school of around 490 students in grades 6–12, this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Thompson said. “Performing a newly written work by a world-renowned composer alongside the Auburn University Symphonic Winds is something most of our students never imagined would be possible.”

The Reeltown band members wore their new uniforms and sat side-by-side with the Auburn students who supported them — in more ways than just instrumental.

“It’s really hard not to get choked up thinking about that day, and you could tell our students were feeling that too,” Good said. “Melody’s family members were there in the first row. Even though these college students have heard that composers’ music before, to see Brian’s vision and what that piece meant had so much power and impact.”

“This felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Performing a newly written work by a world-renowned composer alongside the Auburn University Symphonic Winds is something most of our students never imagined would be possible.”

– Reeltown band director Eric Thompson 

Auburn flutist Maggie Tonsmeire, a double major in neuroscience and music performance, said recording the piece with the Reeltown band was “an absolute joy.”

“It was truly an amazing and emotionally moving experience,” she said. “Being able to practice and play next to them, in an environment based on giving, was unforgettable.” 

Their visit to campus did more than just comfort the Reeltown band members — it also inspired them. Just a few years ago, their practices were held in a former World War II cannery, a space that was outdated and less than ideal.

“While we now have a new facility, that perspective matters,” Thompson said. “Standing in a world-class rehearsal space and making music at that level affirmed for our students they belong in spaces like that.”

When the Symphonic Winds perform “The Gift of Giving” at the state convention this month, the song will be guest conducted by Thompson, who says the impact of the collaboration wasn’t just felt by students.

“At its heart, this project reflected everything Melody’s story represents — choosing to do things for others, treating people with kindness and using music to bring people together,” he said. “Personally, I walked into that room one person and walked out changed. It was a truly special experience.”