Journey of the Spanish Buccaneers

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion 1, Xylophone, Mallet Percussion 2, Chime, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Tambourine, Claves, Percussion 2, Castanets, Percussion 3, Suspended Cymbal — From the call of the open seas to the wistful dance section, this piece will open the imagination of your students and audiences. Very playable by young bands, the piece features a short opening ostinato that develops into a tone cluster. This leads to the ominous sounds of the brass and percussion, which depict the slow lumbering ship on the dangerous, open waters. After a quickly paced melody in the low register for the clarinets, the piece gives way to an exciting tutti section that features horns and saxes on an answering countermelody.The second section is a dance that starts with low reeds and a flute solo, but develops into a full band Spanish-sounding dance, with melody in many different places. The recap is a reverse of the beginning section and again loosely represents the danger of life on the high seas.The short ostinato that is used at the beginning and in some transitional moments is based on the beginning notes of Irish Tune from County Derry, a favorite of J. C. Sykes, who this piece honors. Mr. Sykes gave a lifetime to teaching music to band students in North Carolina. The first four notes in clarinet 1, the first four in flute 1 and the first four in clarinet 2 make up the first phrase from that beautiful melody. Just something to get students thinking about composition in a new way. From the call of the open seas to the wistful dance section, Journey of the Spanish Buccaneers will open the imagination of young band students and audiences. This piece opens with a short ostinato that develops into a tone cluster. This is followed by ominous sounds from the brass and percussion, representing the slow lumbering ship on the dangerous, open waters. A lyrical second section is followed by a dramatic return to the opening theme. This contest and festival style piece adds excitement to any concert program.

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