Second Thoughts

From Wind Repertory Project
James Stephenson

James Stephenson


General Info

Year: 2014
Duration: c. 3:40
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Stephenson Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $100.00; (digital) - $100.00   |   Score Only (print) - $20.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This work is scored for younger bands and focuses on three aspects derived from its title: the potential consonance of major seconds, secondary themes and reflection.

The work was commissioned in 2014 by the Mannheim Middle School (Ill.) Educational Foundation, led by Rich Paluch.

- Program Note from publisher


Second Thoughts is a quintessential display of the composer’s ability to write for the occasion and/or ensemble. Commissioned by the Mannheim Middle School (Ill.) Symphonic Band, it is Stephenson’s first composition for young band. The composer shares the following about the piece:

Second Thoughts is an exercise in three parts:

1) Understanding that seconds aren’t necessarily dissonant, and should be played confidently, with care toward intonation, to achieve the desired effect.

2) There are two main themes. Oftentimes, the first theme is accompanied by the second theme, or snippets thereof. It would be an interesting exercise for the instructor to challenge the students to discover how these themes are put together.

3) Second Thoughts is mainly a lyrical and reflective piece, as if the author (not this author) is looking back and perhaps having second thoughts about something from their past. Therefore, many of the dynamics are of the softer nature. Playing softly is one of the most neglected aspects of performance practice (from my observation), and so I would encourage strong emphasis on reading the dynamics.

- Program Note by Rich Pauch for the Wheaton Municipal Band concert program, 21 December 2017


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Jim Stephenson website Accessed 15 December 2017
  • Perusal score
  • Talbert, Mathew D. "Second Thoughts." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 12, Compiled and edited by Andrew Trachsel, 271-277. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2021.