Tray Guess, Composer

Trials of the Unknown
for concert band
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
5 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

Gamma Decay
for concert band
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
5 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
