with Piano Commissioned and premiered by Jim and Celeste Shearer Composed in loving memory and celebration of Jim Self   Going Away (In Memoriam), originally scored for tuba and piano, celebrates the life and legacy of tuba player and educator Jim Self, whose performances, recordings and compositions became legendary well before his unexpected passing in the fall of 2025. Jim’s many colleagues, friends and former students always will be influenced by the deep artistry, caring and commitment he brought both to the concert stage and to the lesson room. His impeccable musicianship and illuminating presence enriched all our lives, inspiring us to strive for the highest standards.   In the original version for tuba, the first four notes played by the soloist spell "SELF" — Es (E-flat); E (E-natural); La (A); and F. In some versions of Going Away scored for other instruments, such as this version for horn, the piece has been transposed to accommodate different tessituras, so this soggetto cavato is not as evident.   Going Away (In Memoriam) presents an opportunity to express through music our deepest gratitude and respect for a life well lived. It was commissioned and premiered by Jim and Celeste Shearer (tuba and piano, respectively) at the Three Amigos Celebration at the University of South Alabama in May 2026, an event honoring the achievements of tuba legends and lifelong friends and colleagues R. Winston Morris, Daniel Perantoni and Jim Self.   -       James Grant, May 2026 Huntsville, ON   About James Grant   The music of composer James Grant is known by musicians and audiences alike for its honed craft and immediacy, presented in a musical language rich in emotional depth, nuance and engaging personality. Active for five decades as a composer, lecturer and private teacher of composition, he often beams in to university seminar rooms and rehearsal halls for lively cyber-residencies.   A dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, Grant lives and works in Huntsville, ON where, between 2017-2026, he focused on his doppelgänger career as a professional baker, designing, developing and serving as the Director of two organic sourdough bread bakeries. Commenting on his professional vocations, baking and composing, Grant says, "It requires the same intensity of commitment, craft and passion to compose a loaf of sourdough bread as it does to bake a symphony."   An eclectic collection of the recital, chamber and orchestral music of James Grant is available at PotenzaMusic.com.