Caribana Afterparty

From Wind Repertory Project
Omar Thomas

Omar Thomas


General Info

Year: 2023
Duration: c. 3:25
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Omar Thomas 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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bongos
  • Cowbell
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Shekere
  • Snare Drum
  • Timbales
  • Wood Block
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A further exploration and study of the dance styles at heart of my larger work Caribana, Caribana Afterparty (the second “a” in the word Caribana is bright, as in the words “ant” and “after”) brings soca and calypso music within reach of younger musicians, as well as musicians just beginning their exploration of Caribbean dance music. Caribana is the former name of the largest Caribbean carnival celebration outside of the Caribbean itself, which takes place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Titling this piece an “afterparty” gave me space to incorporate themes from the original work while developing new and different grooves from the region, reimagining them in a more accessible context.

The main melodic material of Caribana Afterparty is taken directly from its older sibling Caribana, and is presented in this work, in part, as a lush opening statement, before quickly giving way to the full theme over an easy calypso groove. As the piece progresses, we are carried from the easier, more calming stylings of calypso music to the more jumping rhythms of soca music. Complete with a “riddim section” breakdown section that calls for all winds to use either their body or their music stands to add to the celebratory groove, this work promises to be a blast to listen to and play, while providing pedagogical richness and stylistic diversity to your program.

- Program Note by composer


Commissioned by the 2023 Summer Band Symposium, Duquesne University.

- Program Note from score


The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, is a festival of Caribbean culture and traditions held each summer in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a pan-Caribbean Carnival event and has been billed as North America's largest street festival, frequented by over 1.3 million visitors each year for the festival's final parade and an overall attendance of 2 million.

- Program Note from Wikipedia


Media

None discovered thus far.


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Westwood High School (Austin, Tx.) Wind Ensemble (Thomas Turpin, conductor) - 22 December 2023 (2023 Midwest Clinic)
  • Arizona State University (Tempe) Maroon & Gold Band (Grant Knox, conductor) - 21 November 2023
  • University of Colorado Boulder Concert Band (Brandon Steinmetz, conductor) - 24 October 2023
  • University of Texas (Austin) Symphony Band (Clifton Croomes, conductor) – 4 October 2023


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources