Stillwater” by Kelijah Dunton | Concert Band

The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band is proud to honor black history month by featuring “Stillwater” composed by Kelijah Dunton.
Kelijah Dunton is from Brooklyn, New York. Through middle and high school, he played the alto saxophone, performing in numerous New York City honor bands and participating in prestigious competitions. In 2019, he started his composing career without any prior training. Today, he has three published works and performs in New York City’s metropolitan music community. Kelijah’s work helps promote the black community and enriches today’s society.
Stillwater was written with a vast frozen lake in mind - immovable, with seemingly endless depth. This represents our hard exteriors that we present to the world in our day-to-day activities and struggles. Yet below the surface of the ice runs churning water that can only be heard if you listen close. This represents our inner passions, longings, and sense of belonging found within ourselves if we just take a moment to listen.
Our video featuring “Stillwater” by Kelijah Dunton pays tribute to the history of Private First Class James Anderson Jr., the first black Marine to receive the Medal of Honor.
James Anderson Jr. is from Los Angeles, California. He was born January 22, 1947 and died February 28, 1967. After graduating high school and attending college, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Anderson received the Medal of Honor during Operation Prairie, in Vietnam. After being ambushed by North Vietnamese forces, Anderson jumped on a grenade, sacrificing his life to save the Marines around him.
James Anderson Jr. gave the ultimate sacrifice, paying homage to the deep rooted history of the Marine Corps and the black community. Please enjoy our performance of “Stillwater” by Kelijah Dunton, in honor of Black History Month.