Dancing Skeletons

Description

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Glockenspiel, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Shaker, Percussion 3, Wood Block — Imagine walking through the graveyard at night and seeing three skeletons rising from the grave. They seem joyful as there are no humans around. Watch and listen as the skeletons do a nightly dance while the darkness surrounds them. The piece is set in concert C minor and a 4/4 time signature. The skeleton dance starts in the low brass and low reeds. Pay close attention to make sure players do not play staccatos so short that tone is lost. Also the wood block is a skeleton who dances, so you will need a percussionist with the ability to keep time with the conductor. There are many opportunities for shaping in the woodwinds with phrases and slurs. There are also plenty of percussion parts to go around, don't be afraid to double parts! Lastly, make sure to create a distinct difference between staccatos and accents.xa0 Imagine walking through the graveyard at night and seeing three skeletons rising from the grave. Watch and listen as the skeletons do a nightly dance as the darkness surrounds them. The C minor theme begins in the low brass and low reeds as percussion - including wood block - represent the rattling bones of the dancing skeletons. Perfect for a spooky Halloween feature!