The Gift To Be Simple

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Suspended Cymbal, Tom-tom, Tambourine, Triangle — The Gift To Be Simple was commissioned by the North Bethesda (Maryland) Middle School Band, where Monica Hepburn is the director. Monica is a former student and graciously asked me to write this for her band. I aimed to take this traditional Shaker song and add modern harmonies, rhythms, and instrumentation.With that in mind, the introduction is similar to the lyrical setting of the original. Measure 5 creates a lively rhythmic motive for the ensemble where the members should match note lengths and style. Be sure that the clarinet and saxophone are the predominant motives at m. 18 so the melody can be fully realized. At mm. 26 and 38, be sure that the rhythmic accompaniment does not overpower the melody and that they adhere to all articulations. Finally, the marking forte-piano followed by a crescendo at m. 53 is critical for the final musical push to the end of the piece.I hope you and your ensemble enjoy performing The Gift To Be Simple. This traditional Shaker song is presented with modern harmonies, rhythms, and instrumentation. Using ostinato patterns, long legato lines, and interesting percussion parts, this arrangement offers many interdisciplinary possibilities as well. Folk songs have long been an essential part of the concert band repertoire and this modern approach to a well-known melody can help teach this important style to performers in a new way.

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