Snow

Description

Piccolo, Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Bassoon, Clarinet in Eb, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn 1, Horn 2, Horn 3, Horn 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Suspended Cymbal — This composition called Snow is written to depict the three phases of a snowstorm (Snow Warning, Snow Fall, and Playing in the Snow). Living in the northern part of the United States, I have always felt the effects of winter.The first phase of this composition is called “Snow Warning.” I remember at first we would receive a warning that we would be getting a snowstorm. Musically, this composition reflects how one feels when receiving this announcement. This phase of the composition needs to be played with clarity and very rhythmically. Pay a great deal of attention to the phrasing. Make sure the players aim for all the “peak tones” in the phrases. This will give each line direction and forward motion.The second phase of this composition is called “Snow Warning.” Musically, at the tempo marked q = 120, snowflakes begin to fall from the sky. As the music continues, the snowflakes increase in quantity until one experiences a whiteout. As the music continues, the energy level needs to grow. Be careful not to increase the tempo and make the music sound rushed. As the weight of the sound increases, make sure it maintains rhythmic clarity.The third phase, “Playing in the Snow,” needs to be played with a joyful feeling. The snow storm is over, and we now need to just enjoy the snow. Let's now play in the snow and have a good time. This composition reflects the three phases of a snowstorm: Snow Warning, Snow Fall, and Playing in the Snow. Drawing from the composer’s experience in the northern United States, the piece begins with the anxiety of a snowstorm warning, portrayed through clear and rhythmic playing. The second phase represents snowflakes gently falling, with the energy growing without rushing. The final phase captures the joy of playing in the snow after the storm has passed, with a light-hearted, celebratory feeling.

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