Blue Devil Dancing

Description

Piccolo, Flute 1, Flute 2, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, 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, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Chime, Bells, Xylophone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Triangle, Percussion 2, Tom-tom, Suspended Cymbal — Blue Devil Dancing was composed for the Mooresville (North Carolina) High School Band in honor of the centennial celebration of the Mooresville Graded School District. The school’s Alma Mater serves as the basic melodic material of the composition. The opening statements by the solo flute and horn are drawn from the first pitches of that melody. The descending three-note motive appears throughout the composition and serves as the principal motivic material of the work. Following a slow introduction, the percussion section leads into the faster A-section (m. 11). The work settles into a melodic passage (m. 35) that reveals a theme derived from the principal motive. After a varied repetition of that passage (m. 47), a transition leads to a lyrical and expressive B-section (m. 67). Within this section the melody of the Alma Mater is stated in its entirety with colorful changes in key center and harmonic structure. The percussion section reintroduces the faster A-section (m. 96) that is restated in a varied form. A brief percussion solo (m. 142) leads to the coda and a final statement of the opening phrase of the Alma Mater: “Mooresville High School students are we!” This brilliant concert opener or closer featuring colorful changes in key centers and harmonic structures is based on the Mooresville High School, North Carolina,“Blue Devils” alma mater. Several percussion solos let your percussionist shine, while syncopation, short sixteenth note runs, and accidentals develop the rest of your ensemble’s technical abilities. A vibrant and triumphant choice for contest, festival or concert performances.