Festive Dances

From Wind Repertory Project
MSgt. Robert Thurston

Robert Thurston


General Info

Year: 2001
Duration: c. 6:35
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $75.00   |   Score Only (print) - $15.00


Movements

1. Allegro
2. Moderato
3. Vivo


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
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
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Cabasa
  • Castanets
  • Chimes
  • Claves
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Gong
  • Sleigh Bells
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Temple Blocks
  • Tom-tom
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

It’s my first published composition for wind band, a three-movement suite that pays homage to my composition and arranging teacher, Charles Carter, using his initials (CEC) as the motivic basis for the entire work.

Charlie was a humble, funny man whom I’ve heard described quite aptly as a “genius teddy bear.” He composed many classics of the school-band repertoire, such as Overture for Winds, Queen City Suite, Rhapsodic Episode,Symphonic Overture and Capitol Hill March -- all of which display Charlie’s remarkable gift for melodic invention and harmonic color, wrapped up in impeccable craftsmanship. If my piece does nothing more than show how much I admire those qualities, that will be enough. Charlie never got to hear Festive Dances -- he died about a month before its premiere, and it is dedicated in part to his memory.

- Program Note by composer


Dedicated to Bentley Shellehammer in memory of Charles Carter. Commissioned by Phi Beta Mu, Omega Chapter, Florida.

- Program Note from score


Robert Thurston’s enormously attractive writing for band and his sure command of Thurston's fondness for mixed meters will keep players on their toes. The second movement (moderato) in particular has a memorable folk-like lilt and charm.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Florida: IV


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Robert Thurston website Accessed 11 September 2021
  • Thurston, R. (2001). Festive Dances [score]. Carl Fischer: New York.