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Blue Dances

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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.
Giovanni Santos

Giovanni Santos


General Info

Year: 2018
Duration: c. 5:35
Difficulty: IV-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Murphy Music Press
Cost: Score and Parts - $150.00   |   Score Only (digital) - $24.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
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
Flugelhorn
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bongos
  • Rainstick
  • Snare Drum
  • Temple Blocks
  • Whip


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Blue Dances is a work for wind ensemble dedicated to the beautiful people and island of Puerto Rico. After the devastating hurricane (Maria), I felt a need to give back in some way. My connection to Puerto Rico is deep. I had the privilege of living there for over nine years as a young boy. When the island suffers, I suffer. When the island celebrates, I celebrate. Composing Blue Dances was an act of love.

The piece starts with sounds of the ocean, and a delicate trio between the flute, oboe, and flugelhorn. The Latin melodies throughout the piece represent a positive outlook towards the future of this island. The people of Puerto Rico are resilient, strong, positive, and always loving. These beautiful sentiments are what I hope I was able to have Blue Dances represent.

- Program Note by composer


Blue Dances was commissioned by a consortium of 20 high school and university band programs.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • ACB 2023 Convention Band (Orlando, Fla.) (Kaitlin Bove, conductor) – 20 May 2023 (ACB 2023 Annual Convention (Orlando, Fla.))
  • University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) Symphony Band (Erin Cooper, conductor) - 25 April 2023
  • Florida State University (Tallahassee) Wind Ensemble (Faith Hall, conductor) - 13 April 2021
  • University of California, Los Angeles, Symphonic Band (Doris Doyon Vann, conductor) – 6 December 2019
  • Sam Houston State University (Huntsville, Tx.) Symphonic Band (Brian Gibbs, conductor) – 13 April 2019
  • Bridgewater (Va.) College Symphonic Band (Christine Carrillo, conductor) – 7 April 2019 *Premiere Performance*
  • University of Florida (Gainesville) Symphonic Band (John Watkins Jr., conductor) – 28 February 2019


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Giovanni Santos, personal correspondence, May 2019
  • Giovanni Santos website Accessed 20 May 2019
  • The Horizon Leans Forward…, compiled and edited by Erik Kar Jun Leung, GIA Publications, 2021, p. 465.
  • Perusal score