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Trials of the Unknown

for concert band

YEAR

2025

DURATION

ca. 6:00

GRADE

4+

PERUSAL SCORE

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Program Note

Trials of the Unknown is a musical journey through uncertainty and resilience. Written as a quasi-march, the piece evokes imagery of an ancient military preparing for battle - enduring the trials of training necessary for success. The unrelenting pace builds towards an exciting and triumphant finish, embodying the raw determination required to overcome a formidable challenge. This work is built upon rough ideas initially featured on the RetroGamingNow YouTube channel. Taking a leap into the concert hall, Trials of the Unknown would be effective as a rousing concert opener.

Instrumentation

Piccolo

Flute 1-2

Oboe 1-2

Bassoon 1-2

Contrabassoon

Clarinet in Bb 1-2-3

Bass Clarinet

Contrabass Clarinet

Alto Saxophone 1-2

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet in Bb 1-2-3

Horn in F 1-3, 2-4

Trombone 1-2

Bass Trombone

Euphonium

Tuba (optional div.)

Timpani

Percussion (one player each)

     Percussion 1: Marimba & Xylophone

     Percussion 2: Vibraphone

     Percussion 3: Glockenspiel & Tubular Bells

     Percussion 4: Snare Drum

     Percussion 5: Bass Drum, Low Tom, High Tom, Low Wood              Block, High Wood Block, Triangle, Clash Cymbals

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Gamma Decay

for concert band

YEAR

2018

DURATION

4:00-5:00

GRADE

3

PERUSAL SCORE

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Program Note

Gamma decay is a process where unstable atoms release gamma rays from the nucleus. Gamma rays are very high energy waves which act like x-rays, piercing almost any substance. This piece was inspired by the idea of these gamma rays emanating from an unstable atom. When writing this piece, I wanted to include elements not often found in music of this difficulty. There is an emphasis on texture as opposed to melody, and what melodic material does exist is based on a limited set of pitches. This can help introduce developing ensembles to musical elements which are common in contemporary music. Even so, there are still loud and exciting moments which will be fun to play, with a multitude of percussion parts.

Gamma Decay was commissioned by the Linn-Mar High School Symphony Band, director Jennifer Tiede. The band is mostly 9th and 10th graders. The work premiered on May 16, 2019.

Instrumentation

Flute

Oboe

Bassoon

Clarinet in Bb 1-2

Bass Clarinet

Alto Saxophone

Tenor Saxophone

Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1-2

Horn 1-2

Trombone

Baritone (T.C./B.C.)

Tuba

Timpani

Percussion

     Percussion 1: Snare Drum

     Percussion 2: Tom, Anvil/Brake Drum

     Percussion 3: Tam-tam, Bass Drum

     Percussion 4: Marimba, Glockenspiel

     Percussion 5: Suspended Cymbal, Vibraphone

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