Westlake High band to honor director's son with original work

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Westlake High School band will honor its director's deceased son with an original composition.

The band has commissioned the work by renowned composer Samuel Hazo to honor the memory of Garrett Mangelson, son of Westlake band director Brek Mangelson, who died last summer in an accident in his home. The work will premiere in December at the band’s holiday concert.

Mangelson has served as band director at Westlake since the school opened in 2009. His son Garrett was born just a few months before he began working at the school. During the 2011-12 school year, the band dedicated its marching season to Garrett’s memory.

The original work is titled “Mountain Thyme” and is based on an old Irish folk song. The piece will make its debut during the winter concert at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 in the Westlake High School auditorium.