Colliding Visions

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2010 / 2020
Duration: c. 2:30
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $45.00; (digital) - $45.00


Instrumentation (Flexible)

(Includes Part 1, 2 and 3 for each instrument)

Full Score

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bassoon
  • Alto clef
  • B-flat Soprano Clarinet
  • B-flat Bass Clarinet
  • E-flat Alto Saxophone
  • B-flat Tenor Saxophone
  • E-flat Baritone Saxophone
  • B-flat Trumpet
  • Horn in F
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Baritone T.C.
  • Tuba
  • Piano
  • Guitar
  • Timpani

Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Mallet Percussion
  • Bass Drum
  • Cabasa
  • Crash Cymbal, mounted
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Lyrical melodies meet powerful fanfares in this emotionally-charged work that tells the true story of a world premiere and a band program’s final performance. Three-part fully adaptable with percussion and accompaniment.

- Program Note from publisher


This might possibly be the most ironic piece I have ever written in my life. It began when a music program received a grant to commission a new work. The work was to be the highlight of the year for the students. But before starting the piece, I received notice from Rick Palese, band director at Prairie Hill Elementary in Cary, Illinois, that the district had a budget shortfall. The grant itself was not affected, but one fo the mandated cuts was the band program, grades 5-8.

So began the process of writing a world premiere for a band that would no longer exist after its performance. Even more ironic is that it was written as the final piece for their concert. It would not be the last work the band would ever play. The title, Colliding Visions, focuses on the important issue facing the arts everywhere. This piece serves as an important reminder that we must all share our passion for music with others. When people look to cut funds, we should state with a firm and unified voice that it should not be from the arts. The arts are crucial to our culture and to our own well-being.

Further, this adaptable arrangement comes in response to COVID-19, a time when music programs once again are fighting to remain in schools. If ever there was a time when students needed music in their lives, that time is now.

- Program Note by composer


Performance Notes

  • Adaptable Parts – All musicians have access to ALL parts of every piece. Playable with any four instruments!
  • Alternate Parts – In addition to adaptable parts, tenor sax and horn have alternate parts putting them in an ideal range.
  • Accompaniment – An easy piano part is provided for additional support. When appropriate, chords are included for guitar players.
  • Play Along – Downloadable mp3 tracks are included for students to practice with and even use in performance or at home.
  • Percussion – In addition to adaptable mallet parts, separate percussion parts are also provided.
  • Teaching Opportunities Far Beyond Performance – Let students make choices about orchestration, flip your band so bass voices always have the melody, teach the same musical line to everyone at the same time…. endless possibilities!

While there are many options for students to participate in "orchestrating" these works, the following are recommended "standard" part assignments and may be adapted as needed.

  • Part 1: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Trumpet, Violin, Mallet Percussion
  • Part 2: Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Horn, Violin, Viola
  • Part 3: Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Sax, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Cello, Double Bass
  • Alternate Tenor Sax and Horn parts may be used.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Toronto (Ont., Can.) Youth Concert Winds (Jessica Puskar, conductor) - 26 February 2023


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources