The Emory Symphonic Winds, comprised of members of the Emory Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, are American leaders in the commissioning of new music. Bruce Broughton's, in the World of Spirits, was dedicated to the ensemble and is a work of action, dynamism and electric physicality. Christmas carols and hymns are explored by Gustav Holst while Jennifer Higdon charts the intangible beauty of music itself. Alfred Reed's Russian Christmas Music is a classic of symphonic band writing: rich, colorful and sonorous. Scott a Stewart is the director of wind studies at Emory University where he serves as music director and conductor of the Emory Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. He teaches courses in wind band literature, conducting, and film music.