Quiet Pride

Description

Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1, Soprano Saxophone, 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, Trombone 3, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion 1, Bells, Chime, Mallet Percussion 2, Vibraphone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Percussion 3, Claves, Wind Chimes, Percussion 4, Tom-tom — Hohn and Edyth MacArthur played a very important role in my life. If it were not for these two directors, I would not be in music today. It is quite an honor to be able to compose a piece in their memory. Every year the band traveled to state festival, "Mr. Mac" (as we called him) would put the following statements in the band's itinerary:"Whatever claim to success that the band may have had can be traced directly to the ideals for which it stands: Loyalty, Dignity, Hard Work, a Strong Competitive Spirit, and a Sense of Quiet Pride. The standards and traditions of this band are second to none, and as a member of this group you and I have much to be proud of and much to live up to. I have always felt humble and proud to be a part of this organization and so can pay you no greater compliment than this: You are the Starkville Band."This spirit defined the Starkville High School Band and still lives on in me today. Quiet Pride opens with a timpani solo, followed by a baritone solo beginning in m. 9. The timpani solo should be played in an aggressive manner. At m. 21, make sure that the melody (trumpets and alto saxophones) and the countermelody (clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone and horns) can be heard. The percussion throughout the piece should be heard but should not dominate the piece. It only provides unique colors to the piece. The first climax is at m. 37. At m. 44, the flute, clarinet, and trumpet combine to play the melody. The second climax is at m. 55. Please play all climaxes with much emotion. The director is encouraged to use rubato tempos, ritardandos, accelerandos, etc., throughout the piece. The chimes part in mm. 98 and 99 must be heard. Written in honor of beloved directors, this piece is inspired by the qualities they instilled in students: "Loyalty, Dignity, Hard Work, a Strong Competitive Spirit, and a Sense of Quiet Pride." This piece opens with timpani and baritone solos, building to melodies and countermelodies that rise and fall with emotion through rubato tempos, ritardandos, accelerandos, and dynamic phrasing.