Aurora Eclipsed

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Shaker — I wrote Aurora Eclipsed while looking outside at 2017’s solar eclipse. I find space and celestial bodies so fascinating. To think of how small we are compared to the scale of even just the moon is impressive.During a solar eclipse, a beautiful and fascinating aurora sometimes forms around the moon creating an eerie outline. This “ring of fire” is actually the sun’s outer edges being revealed for the human eye. About the work:Unlike most of my young-band pieces, Aurora Eclipsed begins at its peak tempo. The rhythmic pattern in m. 2 is repeated throughout the piece and isxa0used in the melody in order to help facilitate the teaching of eighth-note patterns. The melodic pattern changes slightly at m. 25, while remaining just as repetitious as the previous pattern, giving everyone ample opportunity for exposure. At m. 25 the directions call for euphonium and bassoon only. This is merely a color choice and can easily be used with trombones to fill the need or to help strengthen your students' playing. The use of sfzxa0is not used very much in this level of music, but I thought with the addition of the accents that it would be a great opportunity to teach this colorful effect. Aurora Eclipsedwas inspired by the solar eclipse of 2017.During a solar eclipse, a beautiful and fascinating aurora forms around the moon creating an eerie outline. This “ring of fire” is actually the sun’s outer edges being revealed to the human eye. The rhythmic pattern of this piece teaches students eighth note patterns, and each section has an opportunity to play the melody. The use of a variety of colors and sforzandos makes this an aggressive composition that younger students will enjoy playing.