Secret Mission

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Wood Block, Cowbell — Secret Mission is a cinematic depiction of a spy on a mission to defeat a nefarious villain. This was inspired by my love for several spies and superheroes from movies and television series, both serious and humorous. With exciting parts for all players, I hope your imagination is sparked by this accessible and melodic piece. In the opening, the spy receives his mission in grand fashion, as the title sequence rolls across the screen. After a dramatic pause (m. 10), the spy is on the chase! The melody at m. 11 depicts the spy doing reconnaissance on his enemy. The villain reveals his evil plan, and soon, the hero and the villain face off in an epic battle! Who do you think wins? Is it a serious thriller or a hilarious cartoon? Decide for your own as you see the end credits scroll! It’s an epic journey sure to spark your imagination.For smaller ensembles, the power chords in the low brass can be divided such that trombones take the top note, and euphonium the bottom, or divide it as is appropriate for your ensemble. At m. 9, and as it recurs, the students should choose a note that is comfortably in their playing range that they can play beautifully. They should, however, strive to choose a different note than their neighbor, and can change the note as this technique recurs. The melody at measure 11 should sound soft, light, and sneaky! Do not let the students get too loud at m. 17. If anything, this section should be slightly softer. The woodblock and cowbell add a touch of urgency (like the ticking of a clock) and humor (I got a fevah!). Make sure the countermelody at m. 25 can be heard clearly. At m. 33, dynamic contrast is very important. If needed, a crash cymbal from a drum set can be used, and both cymbals can be struck by a drumstick. In either case, suspended cymbal should be played with a drumstick (unless rolling: then, use a pair of yarn mallets). I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy the cinematic journey, and thank you for choosing my music! Inspired by spies and superheroes, both serious and humorous, this cinematic depiction of a spy on a mission to defeat a nefarious villain will entertain both students and audiences. An accessible melody, driving percussion parts, generous doubling of essential parts and limited ranges, will let you teach important musical concepts while engaging student interest. A sure winner for concert, contest or festival performances.

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