P.R.I.D.E!

Description

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, 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, Trombone, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallets, Bells, Xylophone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Percussion 3, Triangle, Tambourine, Wood Block — Attaining “success” in a band setting for any performance is a challenge for director and player alike, regardless of age or ability level. Coordinating and synchronizing a group of minds to accomplish daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly musical goals require an investment of time, talent (the intersection of ability, passion, and interest), and temperament. Directors who excel in this area recognize that it is founded on relationships with the entire organization and building a culture that promotes excellence. One such director I worked with several years ago is Kristyn Cutler, the band director at Westmoreland Middle School, new York.The music department at West Moreland has a wonderful acronym: P.R.I.D.E.: Performance met with Responsibility, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. While music is the most important thing we do in band, at points it is important to acknowledge there are undeniable by-products that emerge, that will serve a student through the rest of their lives. Our music choices often form a symbiotic relationship with our students; while they work on the music, the music works on them. Kristin’s acronym works beautifully for her ensemble and program. I would encourage any band director to explore developing an acronym that can serve as a culture code for their program.P.R.I.D.E.! is a single-movement work with four distinct sections. The main theme undergoes basic variations in meter, rhythm, style, and tempo while retaining the basic melodic pitch-set. Through these different changes, the ensemble should strive to play with beautiful tone, rhythmic precision, unified articulation, and sensitivity to the hierarchy of different lines going around them. Each musical element brings about a new aspect in the pitch-set of the main theme, just as pride in our ensemble can be brought about through the various non-musical attributes we set as important in our band program culture. A brief outline of the work is listed below.Fanfare/Theme A introduction – transition – Theme A in 3/4 (allegro) – transition – m. 1                                                m. 11            m.17                                    m.49Theme A in 3/4 (slower) – transition – Theme A in 4/4 (allegro) – Codetta in 4/4 & 3/4m. 54                                   m.82            m.86                                     m.98There are several spots for optional solos within the work. As the strength of your ensemble allows, I would encourage directors to use these opportunities to feature stronger players. Thank you in advance for your support of this music, and I look forward to hearing how your band takes P.R.I.D.E. in all they do! P.R.I.D.E! is a vibrant and dynamic piece that embodies the values of performance, responsibility, integrity, dedication, and excellence. The work features variations on a main theme, exploring different meters, rhythms, and tempos. The music encourages the ensemble to play with precision and sensitivity, reflecting the core values that contribute to a strong band program and a sense of pride in one’s musical journey.

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