Spirit of the Warrior

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Gong, Vibraslap, Suspended Cymbal — An ancient world calls…xa0Spirit of the Warrior explores both the beauty and the power of a forgotten civilization; man’s mighty force amidst nature’s gentle majesty. It is dedicated to all soldiers and warriors, past and present, who give their all to protect home and nation. The warrior shows courage in the face of danger, and loyalty to a cause beyond self-interest. The warrior sees life’s fragile beauty with eyes few others can understand. Long after warriors fall in battle, their spirit lives on in the people and lands they have protected.xa0xa0Using only the first six notes of the concert Bb scale, Spirit of the Warrior begins boldly. Separated notes in the low brass and winds represent the warrior’s power. Nature’s inspiring beauty is represented by the high woodwinds and bells, which play in counterpoint to the lower instruments.xa0xa0Fully separate the staccatos, and shape the accents throughout to help the music feel powerful without being overly heavy or loud. At m. 29, be sure that the countermelody played by the clarinets and alto saxophone can be clearly heard.If you have additional percussionists, consider doubling the snare drum part on a low tom-tom. Experiment with the gong to find the sound you prefer: strike closer to the edge for a brash “crash” sound, or closer to the center for a more mysterious tone. The piece ends with the sound of the sustaining gong . Enjoy the drama and let the sound fade without (much) dampening.xa0xa0 Dedicated to all soldiers and warriors, past and present, this beginning band piece uses only the first 6 notes of the concert Bb scale. Beginning boldly with separated notes in the low brass and winds, the higher woodwinds soon enter with a legato countermelody. Percussion includes vibraslap and gong for additional interest. Use this composition to work on balance, listening between sections, and articulation skills. An excellent choice to inspire beginning students to achieve their best.

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