F. E. Bigelow composed Our Director in 1892, and in the decades that followed it became widely used in such diverse settings as silent films, vaudeville, World War I, and adapted as college fight songs and alma maters (e.g. Harvard, Rice and Furman). Michael's impressive setting for band opens with a noble introduction leading to hints of Bigelow's trio theme. This theme is alternated with an original theme until both appear gloriously at the maestoso. Dedicated to Furman's Director Emeritus of Bands, Dan Atkins Ellis (1929-2007).