Dive!

Description

Piccolo, Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe 1, Oboe 2, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon 1, Bassoon 2, Alto Saxophone 1, 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, Horn in F 3, Horn in F 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion 1, Xylophone, Mallet Percussion 2, Vibraphone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Tam-Tam — Program NotesThis composition for wind ensemble is partially inspired by my home town of Sebastian, specifically its location on the east coast of the state of Florida. My childhood included many quick trips to both the nearby Indian River and the beaches on the coast, so swimming and the water were integral parts of my experience growing up. This work is my musical expression of diving underwater and getting swept up by a fast current and discovering wonders beneath the surface.Dive! has two central components: a constant, driving eighth-note pulse and a main theme which is fragmented and passed around at first, but then is presented completely by the low reeds around a minute and a half into the piece. The steady eighth-note pulse reflects the swift current that a diver might follow, while the main theme represents all the wonders that might be hidden under the water.Performance NotesIdeally, the Trombone 3 part should be played on a Bass Trombone. However, if one is not available there are cues for notes that are beneath a tenor trombone's range.Make sure the vibraphone is heard clearly throughout the piece, as this particular sound is very important to the overall color of this piece. The Percussion 5 part requires two performers as some of the hits happen too quickly for one player to switch between instruments.The most important component of this work is the steady eighth-note pulse, and this pulse never changes even though the meter changes frequently to odd or uncommon time signatures; if the eighth notes remain constant and driving, the meter changes will not pose much of a problem. Inspired by his home town of Sebastian on the east coast of Florida, Nicholas Constanza wrote Dive! to share his childhoods spent at the Indian River and coastal beaches. This piece paints the scene of diving underwater, getting swept up by a fast current, and discovering wonders beneath the surface. The driving eighth-note pulse reflects the swift current while the main theme represents the wonders that might be hidden beneath the surface. A wonderful concert and festival selection, students will enjoy playing this dynamic piece for more experienced bands.