Full-Circle Friendship Inspires New Commission in the GSU Band Area
A new musical tribute will take center stage this fall as the Georgia State University Wind Orchestra presents the world premiere of With Courage Unyielding on November 18, 2025 at the Rialto Center for the Arts.
Composed by Jonathan P. Kochik (B.M. ’16, M.M. ’19), the work honors Professor Devin Reid’s ten years of leadership and service within Georgia State’s band area. The piece was commissioned by Kappa Kappa Psi’s Nu Alpha Chapter led by former president Najja Hughey (B.M.E. ’21) as a heartfelt gesture celebrating Reid’s influence as Interim Associate Director of Bands and Interim Director of Athletic Bands.
Inspiration Behind the Commission
The idea for the commission was sparked by another meaningful piece in the Panther Band’s history—The American President, composed in honor of Dr. Chester Phillips, the band’s inaugural director. “After being so moved by that work—especially remembering the tears shed during our 2024 Band Camp—I wanted to create something equally beautiful for the person who conducted it so often,” Hughey said.
Hughey’s vision quickly grew into a community effort supported by members of the Nu Alpha Chapter who wanted to honor Reid’s decade of leadership, mentorship and musicianship. “Professor Reid, a proud Georgia State University alumnus himself, has given so much of his time, talent and heart to this program,” Hughey shared. “His dedication, integrity and character have made Georgia State a better, more connected community. His passion and remarkable musicianship have inspired generations of students, faculty and brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi—including myself.”
Writing With Courage Unyielding
For composer Jonathan Kochik, who serves on staff in the School of Music’s band area, the opportunity to write this piece carried deep personal meaning. Kochik, a former student of Dr. Robert J. Ambrose, has long shaped the sound of Georgia State’s ensembles through his compositions for the Panther Band, Panther Basketball Band and Commencement Brass Ensemble, whose ceremonial music remains a staple at university events today.
Originally envisioned as a short chorale for the Panther Basketball Band, With Courage Unyielding evolved into a full-length fanfare for wind ensemble—designed for Reid to conduct at honor band events and clinics throughout the region. The main theme, drawn from the original chorale, expands into sweeping cinematic lines that reflect Reid’s energy and passion for music education.
To make the piece personal, Kochik reached out to Amy Reid, Devin’s wife and Director of the Rialto Center for the Arts and Office of Educational Outreach, for insight into his favorite music. “He’s a big fan of Tombstone and Days of Thunder,” Kochik said. “While I didn’t quote them directly, I wanted to capture their spirit and sense of drive.”
The score also includes subtle nods to Reid’s personality and percussion background—bright tambourine and chime passages and one quiet measure of only a soft timpani roll marked “long.” “That moment will be delightfully uncomfortable,” Kochik laughed. “It’s exactly how Devin likes to keep his audiences waiting.”
A Gift Beyond Words
“When this was gifted to me last April, I was not expecting this at all,” Reid said. “I was stunned to know that the Nu Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi had commissioned my colleague and friend Jonathan Kochik to write this piece for my 10th anniversary at Georgia State. I am very blessed to work in a place with such wonderful students and such talented colleagues.”
Reid was first presented with a framed copy of the score’s opening page at the inaugural Alumni Concert Band Reunion & Concert on April 26, 2025 with the full score officially gifted a few weeks later. “I can’t describe how humbled and honored I am to receive this gift of music,” he said. “This gift is so special as it will endure through time and is a gift not only to me but also to anyone who hears it.”
For Hughey and the Nu Alpha Chapter, commissioning a new work felt like the most fitting tribute possible. “I knew that flowers, a card or even a ceremony could never have the same lasting impact as a commissioned piece of music—something timeless that would honor him in the same language he’s given his life to: music,” Hughey said. “Having known Jonathan before and premiered several of his outstanding pieces, I knew his artistry and his connection to Professor Reid would make this project even more special.”
Continuing the Legacy
“In every role he has held, Professor Reid has gone far beyond what any title could ever capture,” Hughey added. “From his work as Undergraduate Director, Marching Band Assistant Director and Basketball Band Director to his teaching and university service—his influence reaches every part of this campus. All the while he remains a devoted father and husband, balancing it all with grace and humility.”
Beyond this premiere, Kochik’s compositional success continues to grow. His newest work Threshold will be premiered by Buford High School Wind Ensemble at the Reinhardt University High School Honor Band Clinic on January 17, 2026 under the direction of Erik Mason with assistant director Bridget Wildes (B.M.E. ’13).
The Georgia State University Wind Orchestra presents A Celebration to Remember featuring the world premiere of With Courage Unyielding alongside the Concert Bands’ program Of Myths and Monuments on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rialto Center for the Arts – Theater. Admission is free and open to the public.