Over the Blue and Green
FOR WIND BAND / GRADE FOUR
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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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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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Airs in Flux
WIND ENSEMBLE / GRADE THREE
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Change is the only constant in life, yet it often catches us unprepared. Airs in Flux is a portrait of the inner world when faced with uncertainty, when continuing down the path ahead feels both urgent and impossible. The piece finds beauty in not knowing, life in vulnerability, and hope in the moments before clarity. An uncertain melody persists through its fragility until the ensemble rises around it: steady, luminous, and alive. In the end, the music doesn’t chase certainty; it celebrates the strength found in motion itself.
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Piccolo, Flute I, Flute II, Oboe, Clarinet in B♭ I, Clarinet in B♭ II, Clarinet in B♭ III, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet in B♭ I, Trumpet in B♭ II, Horn in F I, Horn in F II, Trombone I, Trombone II, Euphonium, Tuba, Cymbals, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Tubular Bells, Bass Drum, Marimba.
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premiered by Dr. Matthew George with the University of Saint Thomas’ Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Medusa, Priestess
WIND ENSEMBLE / GRADE FIVE
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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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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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Inquire at fivecmh5@gmail.com to purchase score
Myriad
WIND ENSEMBLE / GRADE THREE
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"Myriad" is a celebration of the infinite possibilities that life presents us with every moment. Inspired by the idea that in every single instant, there are ten thousand ways something can go right, this piece explores the boundless potential of positive outcomes that surround us, even in the most ordinary moments.
As the music unfolds, it invites the listener to embrace this abundance of possibility with an open heart and mind, encouraging a perspective that seeks out the good, the hopeful, and the beautiful in every situation. Myriad is a call to recognize and celebrate the countless ways in which life offers us gifts, big and small, in every breath we take.
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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, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet in B♭ I, Trumpet in B♭ II, Horn in F I, Horn in F II, Trombone I, Trombone II, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Tubular Bells, Marimba.
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Inquire at fivecmh5@gmail.com to purchase score
Step by Step
WIND ENSEMBLE / GRADE THREE
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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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Flute I, Flute II, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in B-flat I, Clarinet in B-flat II, Clarinet in B-flat III, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone I, Alto Saxophone II, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in B-flat I, Trumpet in B-flat II, Horn in F I, Horn in F II, Trombone I, Trombone II, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Claves, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Conga Drums, Snare Drum, Cajón, Marimba.
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Inquire at fivecmh5@gmail.com to purchase score
Sidewalk Syncopation
WIND ENSEMBLE / GRADE THREE
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With its rhythmic complexity and playful interplay of accents, this piece mimics the lively, unpredictable energy of a city sidewalk. From the bustling chatter to the rhythmic footsteps, each section invites players to explore dynamic contrasts and tight coordination, making it a fun yet challenging experience for developing musicians.
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Flute I, Flute II, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in B-flat I, Clarinet in B-flat II, Clarinet in B-flat III, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone I, Alto Saxophone II, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in B-flat I, Trumpet in B-flat II, Horn in F I, Horn in F II, Trombone I, Trombone II, Euphonium, Tuba, Cymbals, Conga Drums, Snare Drum, Bass Drum.
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Inquire at fivecmh5@gmail.com to purchase score