Over the Blue and Green
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Flute I, Flute II, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in B♭ I, Clarinet in B♭ II, Clarinet in B♭ III, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone I, Alto Saxophone II, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in B♭ I, Trumpet in B♭ II, Trumpet in B♭ III, French Horn in F I, French Horn in F II, French Horn in F III, French Horn in F IV, Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Tubular Bells, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal.
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Recently, I accompanied a group of teachers exploring the Space Coast in Cape Canaveral, FL. We visited the retired Atlantis, saw artifacts from Challenger and Columbia, and spoke with some astronauts who shared their experiences in space.
I've always been afraid of the vastness of space; the idea of being outside of Earth and seeing its true finite nature terrified me. But the more I heard from these astronauts, the more fascinated I became. They described how their perspective on life changed once they saw our planet from space.
The first astronaut shared that when he looked at Earth, he saw it as a peaceful, glowing blue and green globe. He didn’t see the wars or the hatred I often associate with the inevitable state of our planet. He shared that Earth is inherently peaceful.
The second astronaut shared a story about being an hour ahead of schedule on one mission. She had a little extra time to enjoy space, so she went up to the ship's windows, arms outstretched, and looked over Earth. She described it to us: “I felt like an angel, flying, watching over the planet. I was making sure it was okay from the outside.”
I’ve been imagining myself in her place, wondering what the world would be like if we all saw ourselves as stewards of the place we call home. This piece explores the feeling of watching over our planet, cherishing its beauty, flying over the blue and green.
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FOR WIND BAND / GRADE FOUR
Conducted by Dr. Erika Svanoe with the Encore Wind Ensemble
After the Winter
FOR FLEX WIND QUARTET
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Flute (part one) {or} Oboe (part one);
Oboe (part two) {or} Clarinet in Bb (part two);
Clarinet in Bb (part three) {or} Tenor Sax (part three) {or} Horn in F (part three);
Bass Clarinet (part four) {or} Bassoon (part four)
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After the Winter" is an intimate wind quartet that takes inspiration from the words of Claude McKay's poem. The piece is a love letter that speaks to the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, and the unwavering power of love to anchor us. Through its intricate interplay of melody and harmony, the piece depicts the ebb and flow of life's journey, the push and pull of emotions, and the steady hum of the heart. It is a testament to the beauty of human resilience and the enduring strength of love, reminding us that even when the world around us is shedding its leaves and the future feels uncertain, we will always choose love and return to its warm embrace. As the poem promises, "We'll turn our faces southward, love... And we will build a cottage there... With black-ribbed blue-bells blowing near, And ferns that never fade."
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premiered by the Neotoric Chamber Winds
in need of a premiere
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in need of a premiere ...
Adagio
FOR ORCHESTRA
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16 1st violins, 16 2nd violins, 12 violas, 12 cellos, 8 double basses
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In music theory, an open fifth is known for its flexibility and its role in providing structure to a chord. This piece revolves around the motif of a fifth, exploring it in various musical settings. Adagio starts quietly with this motif, gradually adding harmonies and introducing the rest of the orchestra. A counter theme emerges and repeats, leading to a swell in the ensemble, before returning to the simplicity of the open fifth. The theme shifts to a brighter key and builds intensity, creating a swirling effect. This energy calms as the motif returns, leading to a crescendoing melody. The music explores different harmonies before concluding with a strong, unified chord from the orchestra.
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Inquire at fivecmh5@gmail.com for premiere.
in need of a premiere
...
in need of a premiere ...
Medusa, Priestess
FOR WIND BAND / GRADE FIVE
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Piccolo, Flute I, Flute II, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in B♭ I, Clarinet in B♭ II, Clarinet in B♭ III, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone I, Alto Saxophone II, Tenor Saxophone I, Tenor Saxophone II, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in B♭ I, Trumpet in B♭ II, Trumpet in B♭ III, French Horn in F I, French Horn in F II, French Horn in F III, French Horn in F IV, Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Vibraphone, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells, Suspended Cymbal, Mark Tree.
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Medusa’s character often stands as a monolith in most retellings of her myth. “Medusa, Priestess” challenges this narrow depiction. Listeners are invited to explore the full range of Medusa's emotions: her conviction, shock, anger, confusion, and gentleness. This piece is a love letter to women whose stories have been reduced to simplistic narratives, celebrating their depth, resilience, and multifaceted humanity.
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Inquire at clare@clarehoward.com for premiere.
Step by Step
FOR WIND BAND / GRADE THREE
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Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in B♭ 1, Clarinet in B♭ 2, Clarinet in B♭ 3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in B♭ 1, Trumpet in B♭ 2, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Claves, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Conga Drums, Snare Drum, Cajón, Marimba.
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"Step by Step" is a dynamic composition that celebrates the power of living in the moment. With its flowing melodies and rhythmic surprises, the piece captures the joy of embracing each step of the journey, encouraging us to fully experience the present.
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premiered by Anthony Boldt with the Rochester Community Band