On Shoulders of Giants

Andrew David Perkins

General Info

Year: 2021
Duration: c. 4:35
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Andrew David Perkins
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $120.00 | Score Only (print) - $25.00

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 (optional)
Timpani
Percussion, including:

Bass Drum
Chimes
Orchestra Bells
Suspended Cymbal
Vibraphone

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Early in 2021, amidst a devastating global pandemic, and in the shadow of an ugly and divisive election, we witnessed an appalling domestic terrorist attack on our nation’s capital. It was a dark, wretched day for all Americans. Two weeks later, a new administration was sworn in on those same capital steps, and the first female, Black and South Asian American vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, took the oath of office. I sat with my daughters watching an historic moment unfold and was struck with an overwhelming feeling of hope for the future, and a sobering realization of the heavy responsibility we're placing on our children. The survival of our nations, our planet, and the entire human race are literally in their hands. My hope is that we’ve armed them with vision, determination and optimism as well. May they stand on shoulders of giants, and reach heights we never could’ve imagined.

On Shoulders Of Giants was commissioned by my friend Jeff Malecki, director of bands and music education, the University of San Diego. It is dedicated to his niece, Vivian Jane, and my daughters, June Elise and Edith Marie.

- Program Note by composer

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Ensemble and conductor unknown

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

Michigan State University (East Lansing) Spartan Youth Wind Symphony (Arris Golden, conductor) - 4 December 2022
University of San Diego (Calif.) Wind Ensemble (Jeff Malecki, conductor) – 13 November 2021 *Premiere Performance*

Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

Noble Gases (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)

All Wind Works

Alcatraz (2014)
Asylum (2017)
Clutch. (2019)
Conspiracy Theories (2016)
Gradients (2017)
Horror Vacui (2020)
Noble Gases (Flex instrumentation) (2017/2020)
On Shoulders of Giants (2021)
Prayers in Villefranche (2016)
The Raptor Rides the Whale (2018)
Southeast by Northwest (2016)
Trip the Light Fantastic (2015)
Tuebor (2020)
Until the Night Collapses (2018)
Vox Nostra (2022)

Resources

Andrew David Perkins website Accessed 12 November 2021
Perusal score