Starbound Artemis

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion 1, Glockenspiel, Mallet Percussion 2, Xylophone, Marimba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Tom-tom, Percussion 2, Wood Block, Tambourine, Triangle, Percussion 3, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal — There’s been great interest in spaceships since the first moment humanity traveled to the moon. And with technology continuing to advance to make space travel more accessible, rocket launches have become more frequent and popular in the media. Starbound Artemis is an exciting recounting of a spaceship being prepared for take-off. In musical cinematic fashion, the composition loosely follows the same steps of a typical rocket launch sequence, from transporting the vessel to the launchpad, powering up and fueling the machine, to the final flight readiness polls, and then lift-off. What’s unique about this piece is that the music employs more than just a dark tone. There is a harmonious exchange between both the major and minor B-flat keys, and in doing so, it gives the work a steady surge of tension, seriousness, and power, just like how astronauts and technicians feel as they prepare to launch their rocket into space. In Starbound Artemis we pursue that same feeling as we celebrate mankind’s venture to space.I remember my fond time in elementary school, learning my first few instruments, and being invited by my music teachers to join my school’s honor recorder ensemble and the all-district elementary band concert. Those were some great memories because they motivated me to continue playing my trumpet. Since then, I’ve pursued music as a career with the same goal of showing others that music is a tool to help them pursue their emotions and dreams. I am a huge advocate for giving kids the opportunity to play in honor bands, advanced ensembles, and community groups. There’s so much to discover in the world of music that you can’t experience it all within the classroom. So, when I received the commission from the Central Jersey Music Educators Association to compose a piece for their 2025 elementary honors band day, all those fun memories flashed again in my mind. I want these kids to have that same experience and I’m honored to be a part of that moment. Starbound Artemis is an exciting depiction of a spaceship being prepared for take-off. In musical cinematic fashion, this work for young band follows the same steps of a typical rocket launch sequence, from transporting the vessel to the launchpad, powering up and fueling the machine, to the final flight tests, and then lift-off. Using simple, interchanging harmonies from both the B-flat major and minor keys, the music gives the work a steady surge of tension, seriousness, and power, as astronauts and technicians might feel as they prepare to launch a rocket into space.

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