PUBLISHER: M.O.T.I.F. - Music of the Introspective Fields (ASCAP)
DURATION: ca. 3-4 minutes
DIFFICULTY: GRADE 2.5
ORIGINAL VERSION DETAILS
WORLD PREMIERE: November 1, 2018 - United Township High School Concert Band, Michael Wawrzynski (conductor); United Township High School, East Moline, Illinois
MICHIGAN - MSBOA Basic Music List, High School Class C
DURATION: ca. 3-4 minutes
DIFFICULTY: GRADE 2.5
ORIGINAL VERSION DETAILS
WORLD PREMIERE: November 1, 2018 - United Township High School Concert Band, Michael Wawrzynski (conductor); United Township High School, East Moline, Illinois
MICHIGAN - MSBOA Basic Music List, High School Class C
COMMISSIONERS |
INSTRUMENTATION |
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The original version of this work was commissioned by a consortium of ensembles led by Caleb Hammer as part of a consortium for three new works for concert band, featuring music by Caleb Hammer, Josh Trentadue, and Harrison J. Collins.
Texas Woman's University Bands, Carter Biggers
Westwood High School Bands, Thomas Turpin Hendersonville High School Bands, Jeffrey Phillips Pennfield School Bands, Blake Driver Elkhart Central High School Bands, David Elliott Hartland Middle & High School Bands, Joe Guarr Williamsburg High School, Dustin Goes Fenton High School, Andrew David Perkins Loveland High School, Kyle Freesen Manteno Schools, Daniel Tripp Peotone High School Bands, Adam Rusek Cele Middle School, Cathy Humphrey Palo Alto Middle School Wind Ensemble, Eric Skinner United Township High School, Michael Wawrzynski University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Michael S. Butler Grand Ledge High School, John Szczerowski Woodbridge Township School Bands, Jason Kohn Stoneman Douglas High School, Alex Kaminsky Angola High School, Andrew Keiser Onsby C. Rose O'Shae Best |
4-PART ADAPTABLE ENSEMBLE
PERCUSSION LISTAll percussion is optional
STRONGLY ENCOURAGED IF AVAILABLE Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Hi-Hat, Suspended Cymbal, 4 Tom-Toms+2 Bongos (alternate part for Drum Set, for one player only, also available) ADDITIONAL PARTS AVAILABLE Timpani, Crash Cymbals (optional), Xylophone, Marimba, Glockenspiel, Chimes |
PROGRAM NOTES
The Great River Rapid Chase came about from two different reasons. After growing up and living in my home state of Michigan for the majority of my life, I moved to New York City to pursue graduate-level academics. Although I can't deny there have been so many incredible experiences I've had here (and I wouldn't change that for anything), I also can't deny that, every now and again, I've felt a bit homesick for the incredible landscapes and sights that Michigan has to offer. Writing this piece was an opportunity for me to get back in touch with that part of nature that I've loved for so long now.
This piece was also an opportunity for me to exercise another goal: composing high-quality music for young, beginning musicians that could equally be fun to listen to as well as perform. I sought to challenge the players, but not so much as to make the music difficult for all the wrong reasons. This led to further challenges of creating authentic contrasting shapes and new colors within a standardized form that, overall, I had a lot of fun exploring.
The Great River Rapid Chase is a short, fast-paced adventure relying on rhythmic grooves and a sense of determination to arrive towards a final destination. Think of fish swimming upstream in a raging river - sometimes with the currents, sometimes against them. What sort of predators and other dangers will they face?
This piece was also an opportunity for me to exercise another goal: composing high-quality music for young, beginning musicians that could equally be fun to listen to as well as perform. I sought to challenge the players, but not so much as to make the music difficult for all the wrong reasons. This led to further challenges of creating authentic contrasting shapes and new colors within a standardized form that, overall, I had a lot of fun exploring.
The Great River Rapid Chase is a short, fast-paced adventure relying on rhythmic grooves and a sense of determination to arrive towards a final destination. Think of fish swimming upstream in a raging river - sometimes with the currents, sometimes against them. What sort of predators and other dangers will they face?