Serenata

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, 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 in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Xylophone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Cowbell, Maracas, Percussion 3, Claves, Güiro — Serenata is a first-year band piece with a Latin dance flavor. It is an excellent study in independent part-playing for young bands. Balance is crucial among the following parts:1. Percussion must be steady and not overpowering. The cowbell should be played with a mallet or stick that will prevent its sound from being dominant in the percussion section.2. The bass line will require a delicate staccato articulation.3. Clarinets and horns must play the ostinato beginning at m. 5 in two- or four-measure phrases. This line must always feel unbroken.4. Trumpets must also use a delicate staccato at m. 17. Straight mutes are a nice touch if the section is big enough. Cup mutes are even better. A small trumpet section may play open.5. Flutes and alto saxes should always play legato when carrying the melody.The contrasting middle section, beginning at m. 28, should be articulated smoothly by the whole band. The alternating melodic lines should have tonal contrast, but should be the same dynamically. The bass line should fade into the background at this point.A first-year band can play Serenata for their Spring Concert.Thank you for choosing this selection. I hope you and your students find it instructive and enjoyable. Suitable for performance after one year of instruction, this Latin-flavored dance is an excellent study in independent playing for young bands. With steady percussion, bass staccato articulations, clarinet and horn ostinatos, and muted trumpets, there are many teaching moments presented. A contrasting middle section lets your band focus on smooth articulations and alternating melodic lines. Program this for a lighter moment in your concert that also helps students learn important musical concepts.

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