Off the Edge

From Wind Repertory Project
This work has been identified for inclusion in the Small Band Repertoire Initiative. You may find discussion of the work's challenges and merits under the Discussion tab above. You may also contribute your own thoughts and recommendations by joining the WRP.
Alex Shapiro

Alex Shapiro


Subtitle: For Concert Wind Band and Pre-recorded track


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 3:20
Difficulty: II+ (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Activist Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - Unknown


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Crash Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Kick Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Vibraphone
  • Xylophone

Laptop computer for audio accompaniment track


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

What happens when a composer who loves the pop music of the '80s and '90s hangs out in dance clubs blasting house music in the 2010s? Off the Edge offers a 140 bpm-thumping, EDM-jumping clue!

Off the Edge was commissioned by James Mobley and the Brownstown Middle School Band, with the participation of members of the N-BEAM consortium.

- Program Note from publisher


Performance Notes

The accompaniment track should be played back LOUDLY! It adds a complex set of syncopations to the piece, while the percussion players keep a steady beat (we hope).

The piece is at a snappy tempo (unrelenting quarter note = 140). Because the music is designed along the lines of a pop tune, it's very sectional and motive-driven. Included in the score is a page that maps out the themes and motives and will assist with getting the students comfortable with the rhythms and fingerings a few bars at a time, starting at a slower rehearsal tempo.

I encourage the band directors to make the MP3 of the piece available to all their students, so that they can listen and absorb the syncopated rhythms. In fact, a good way to start the first rehearsal is to blast the demo recording in the band room. I'll also make the accompaniment track (with the click track) available to them so that they can practice at home and annoy their parents. Invite them to email me for the access code.

Off the Edge is fun for players of any age, but for younger musicians it will be especially useful for introducing them to playing syncopated motives on the off beat.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Eastern Oklahoma State College Inaugural High School Honor Band (Wilburton) (Brian T. Harris, conductor) - 10 February 2023
  • Eastern Oklahoma State College Concert Band (Wilburton, OK) (Brian T. Harris, conductor) - 26 April 2022
  • Center Grove Middle School (Greenwood, Ind.) Central Band (Samuel Fritz, conductor) – March 2020 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources