About This Work
In 1994, Chicago experienced a tragic summer of gang violence that claimed the lives of several young people, including 14-year-old Shavon Dean and 5-year-old Eric Morse. These events deeply affected the community and inspired this powerful musical response.
Fanfare for Life celebrates the beauty and sanctity of life through its orchestral fanfare, while honoring the memory of those lost too soon. The work has been performed by major orchestras across the United States, serving as both a memorial and a call to cherish life.
Score Access & Performance License Policy
Works by J. Kimo Williams
As a composer, I believe music is not merely a transactional commodity, but a cultural and human exchange shaped by lived experience, history, memory, and community engagement.
In that spirit, my scores are made freely available for download for study, rehearsal, and live performance.
Free Use Permitted
You may download and use these scores and parts for:
- Personal study
- Classroom or educational use
- Rehearsal
- Live concert performance
There is no rental fee required for live performance. I only ask that you let me know of any performances scheduled and provide a program relating to any completed performance.
License Required
Prior written permission is required for:
- Audio recording
- Video recording
- Livestreaming
- Broadcast
- YouTube or social media posting
- Commercial release
- Digital distribution
- Film, television, podcast, or media synchronization
- Any use involving reproduction of the music beyond live performance
Performance Attribution
Programs and publicity should credit the work as follows:
Composed by J. Kimo Williams — Captain, US Army, Retired
Published by One Omik Music (BMI)
Recording & Media Licensing
To request permission for audio, video, broadcast, livestream, or media use, contact:
J. Kimo Williams — kimo@omik.com
Please include: name of organization, work title, performance date, venue, intended recording or media use, and whether the recording will be private, archival, educational, promotional, streamed, or commercially released.
Statement of Intent
These scores are offered freely so that the music may live through performance, education, and cultural engagement. Music is ultimately sustained not by ownership alone, but by participation, performance, and cultural memory.