The Raider's Last Crusade

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Marimba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Percussion 3, Jingle Bells — Commissioned by the Midway High School Band, NCJoshua Tew and Jesse Shelton, DirectorsCommission funded by the Simple Gifts Grant Fund (Clinton, NC)In memory of Deborah Tew, mother of Joshua TewThis composition is a great concert opener or festival selection for a young band. Beginning with a joyful motive and lots of featured percussion, it uses sudden dynamic changes and a dark middle section to create plenty of contrast and excitement. The ending begins very softly, building to a tension filled climax that eventually returns to the joyful motive from the beginning of the piece. Lots of fun for the musicians and the audience!Be sure to keep the tempo moving throughout--don’t let it slow down or it will lose energy, especially in the soft sections. Keep articulations crisp and let the horns wail (doubles in altos). Make sure your percussionists observe the marked dynamics and do not cover the winds. Otherwise, this piece is very accessible, with reasonable ranges and rhythmic challenges. It may take a minute or two to balance the dark chords in the middle section, but it will be well worth it for the contrast. Have fun! This fast-paced concert and contest opener features dynamic wind lines, long melodic phrases and interesting harmonic and melodic twists. The development of dotted quarter note and eighth note patterns and the ability to play long crescendos–essential for musicians–is an inherent part of this composition’s structure. In one tempo throughout, this composition will entertain both performers and audiences.

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