Program Notes
Northern Lights
(Grade 3)
The beauty and energy of the Northern Aurora is translated into this exciting new work from composer Matt Neufeld. Mixed meter, effective percussion, and colorful orchestration combine to a dazzling effect as the piece depicts the shifting and swirling lights found in the night sky. With a fine balance of repetition and surprise, this work will provide great challenges for your players while providing them with an excellent vehicle to show off their best abilities at their next concert or festival!
Skeletonic
(Grade 2)
Designed to come together in a few rehearsals, this piece features a simplified bass-line, mostly staying on the tonic. Get it? Skele-Tonic? Great if you've just moved players to Tuba, Bass Clarinet, or Bari Sax, and they're still getting used to it, and only can handle a few pitches. Spooky fun for the whole gang!
Fandango
(Grade 3)
Fandango was commissioned by the Bradley Middle School Band, San Antonio, TX, Karlos Elizondo, director, in memory and honor of Eugene Edward Geimer, director (1985 - 2009)
Mr. Geimer served as Director of Bands at Bradley Middle School in the North East Independent School District from 1985 to 2009. His concert bands consistently received Sweepstakes and top honors at any festival or competition that they entered. Jazz band was Mr. Geimer’s true passion, creating Bradley’s “Jazz University” that continues on to this day. This jazz experience produced many incredible jazz bands and musicians. The Bradley community would like to dedicate this amazing Carol Brittin Chambers composition, “FANDANGO”, to the memory and legacy of Mr. Ed Geimer (1938 – 2022).
A Fandango is an exuberant partner dance, originating in Spain and Portugal, which can be sung and danced. It is usually accompanied by castanets, guitars, and hand-clapping, and it often consists of an introduction followed by “variaciones”
Operation Super-Sleuth
(Grade 2)
Utilizing a variety of musical effects and techniques, “Operation Super-Sleuth” has captured the excitement and feel of the spy-themed music of the 60s and 70s. Written in the very playable key of C minor, nearly every section in the band gets in on the fun as your young musicians/secret agents take on the latest mission of espionage and intrigue. Composer Christina Huss has included a variety of familiar spy sounding thematic material to make this journey a fun, exciting one. There are plenty of interesting percussion parts to go around, and it is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next band concert.
Time Lord
(Grade 2)
If a time-traveling superhero were the conductor of a concert band, this is the music they would play! Inspired by an incredible battle sequence, this intense work dives into time signature changes at an introductory level while maintaining an epic tone throughout. Exciting, pedagogical, and extremely playable!
Big Bend
Solo for Bassoon and Concert Band
(Grade 3/4)
I. Circa 1535
II. Flora and Fauna
IV. La Harmonia
William Owens
Manuscript
Situated in West Texas along the Mexican border, Big Bend National Park dates to over 10,000 years ago. It offers us a story of adaptation and survival as a constant flow of people and cultures moved through this boundless and mysterious region. Big Bend was established as a National Park in 1935 and while regarded as one of America’s most spectacular, it is quite ironically the least visited. Written for solo Bassoon and Wind Band, the majesty and splendor of this significant institution comes to us by way of music.
Big Bend was commissioned by Mark Rogers in memory of his parents Bob and Mary Rogers, proud Plainview, TX Bulldog Band members. The piece was premiered in January 2023 by the Heart of Texas Concert Band (San Antonio), with the composer conducting.
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During this time, many Native American tribes inhabited the territory. By farming and establishing permanent settlements, they negated the need to constantly search for food. Both powerful and solemn, “Circa 1535” depicts the survival of these varied peoples in a vast environment of mountains, desert and rivers.
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Famous for its natural resources and spectacular geology, the park teems with thousands of species of plant and animal life. The flora offers breathtaking color and variety by day while animals emerge to feed and mate during the night. “Flora and Fauna” begins quite light-heartedly, depicting the diversity of plant life. The mood then becomes calm and pensive as the animals claim the night, before once again becoming lively and carefree.
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At twilight, Big Bend is one of the very darkest places on earth. And in the darkness...a strange yet wonderful solitude. As darkness and solitude are often perceived as fearful, the proper mindset will find a reposeful place to sooth the very soul. Introspective and bluesy, “Dark Sky” truly speaks to the peculiar tranquility of night at Big Bend.
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It was so much more than just a place to buy goods! In addition to providing goods and services, The La Harmonia Store (est. 1902) fostered a sense of community, harmony and respect between its American and Mexican patrons and played a key role in promoting positive relations between the two border factions. Quite reminiscent of the region, this high-spirited final installment is a true celebration of cultures and solidarity.
Gothic
(Grade 1)
From the composer:
“When I set out to write Gothic I looked at many pictures of old gothic architecture, medieval paintings, and music from the 12th century. I didn’t want to necessarily depict this or the time that it came from, but more my own imaginings while observing this art form and time period. There is something truly spectacular about the detail that went into the buildings and paintings of the past. Some of these structures are still standing after nearly 1,000 years. I also think it’s important, as students, to see and learn about great art forms and styles from the past, and my hope is that this piece might open doors for you to discover notable artists, works, and structures that inspire you. From the music of HIldegard of BIngen to the Basilica of Saint-Denis, there are wonders hidden in the past, waiting to be discovered.”
Not So Silent Night
(Grade 3)
Every child imagines what it might be like to observe Santa Claus coming down the chimney on Christmas Eve. This programmatic work suggests how a movie soundtrack for that annual event might sound! Starting with a clever tango and ending with a cartoon-esque chase scene, this witty work from Evan VanDoren will engage the imagination of your students and audience alike!
The Wild One!
(Grade 4)
A blistering circus march designed to showcase your entire ensemble. This adrenaline-packed work will bring your audience to its feet regardless of where you program it in your concert. Cleverly combining the traditional march form with contemporary elements, this barnburner is sure to turn heads and be a ton of fun for performers and audiences alike. There are plenty of opportunities for percussionists, including several optional parts for directors with larger sections.