COMETS ABLAZE!
(2020)
PUBLISHER: Murphy Music Press, LLC | © 2020 M.O.T.I.F. (ASCAP)
ca. 3.5-4 minutes | GRADE 2.5
INSTRUMENTATION
WOODWINDS: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, Bassoon, 2 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet
SAXOPHONES: 2 Altos, Tenor, Bari
BRASS: 4 Bb Trumpets, 2 Horns, 3 Trombones, Euphoniums (2+ players; T.C. and B.C. parts available), Tubas (2+ players)
PERCUSSION: Timpani, 2 Mallet Percussion (optional), 5 Percussion [7-9 players total are recommended]
PERCUSSION LIST
Marimba (4.3-octave, optional), Vibraphone (optional), Xylophone (optional), Crotales (2 octaves, optional), Glockenspiel (optional), Chimes (optional), Tambourine, Triangle, High Wood Block, DRUMS WORKSHOP (2 Bongos, 4 Tom-Toms, Small Bass Drum), Suspended Cymbal, CYMBALS WORKSHOP (Hi-Hat, Crash, China, Splash), Whip, Brake Drum, Tam-Tam (2 triangle beaters needed), Snare Drum, Crash Cymbals, Bass Drum
THE THIRD PIECE OF THE GRAND LEDGE TRIPTYCH
COMMISSIONED BY: Tavia Zerman and the Hayes Middle School Bands (Grand Ledge, Michigan)
WORLD PREMIERE: January 19, 2022 | Grand Ledge High School Wind Symphony (Tavia Zerman, guest conductor; John Szczerowski, director of bands) | Grand Ledge, Michigan
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:
—January 28, 2022 | Grand Ledge High School Wind Symphony (Tavia Zerman, guest conductor; John Szczerowski, director of bands) | The 17th Annual Michigan Music Conference (2022), DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, Michigan
ADDITIONAL VERSIONS AVAILABLE
Grand Ledge, Michigan offers several innovations that has changed the course of the town's history over time. In the 19th century, it was the second city in Michigan to have electricity. The Trestle Bridge was built to expand the local and economic potential of the community to neighboring cities. Dams were constructed to create more open hospitality for wandering travelers. Popular entertainment such as the Seven Islands Resort, the Opera House, and the Playhouse Theater would generate a significant amount of tourism. And, the town for a time would become defined by one of its more well-known industries, clay and furniture manufacturing.
In the present day, Grand Ledge offers a wide and unique variety of entertainment through its annual festivals, fairs, and longstanding commitment to fine arts. Community-based activities occur annually, and quite often, to benefit the whole town. Students of the town's public schools define themselves on their integrity and determination to give their all. Many have gone on to become sports players, professional musicians, teachers, local and state government officials, scientists, journalists, and artists. Some have even gone on to become composers.
Comets Ablaze! is a fiery and joyful celebration of the historical innovations and community comprising the town of Grand Ledge. It is an acknowledgement of the town's past, present, and future. It is a youthful and spirited piece driven by its self-relentless determination to inspire. And, it is a commemoration of the next generation of students (their school's mascot, the Comets) setting forth, innovating and changing the whole world one day at a time.