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Colliding Visions (Balmages)

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Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2010
Duration: c. 2:40
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $45.00;   |   Score Only (print) - $5.00


Instrumentation

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

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Cabasa
  • Claves
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes


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


Commissioned by the Prairie Hill Elementary 6th Grade Band and performed on their final concert, Cary, Illinois; Rick Palese, Director.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class D
  • Georgia: II
  • Indiana: ISSMA JH/MS/ELEM BAND GROUP V
  • Louisiana: II
  • Maryland: I
  • Michigan: Junior High C
  • North Carolina: II
  • South Carolina: II
  • Tennessee: II
  • Texas: II. Complete
  • West Virginia: I


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources