Glenbury Grove

From Wind Repertory Project
Julie Giroux

Julie Giroux


General Info

Year: 2009
Duration: c. 6:10
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Musica Propria
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00   |   Score Only (print) - $18.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass 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-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Orchestra Bells
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tubular Bells
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Glenbury Grove is both a fictional and non-fictional place. Deep in the woods behind my home is a special place. A winding pebble and sand-bottomed stream with crystal clear water weaves and circles throughout the forest. Sunlight reflects off the water from gentle streams of light that occasionally pass through the forest canopy of ancient oak and pine trees. My favorite spot along that stream is at a very sharp bend. So sharp is the bend that it almost creates an island in the middle. The oak trees there are massive and very little light gets through. The outer banks of the stream are tall, creating a natural amphitheater and the forest floor is covered by a rich green moss. The first time I went into that place, the name "Glenbury Grove" whispered to me. I have no idea where the name came from -- it just did -- and the name has stuck with me over the years. I imagined it to be a place where anything could happen.

At Glenbury Grove, if I waited long enough in silence, mystical creatures would make themselves known to me. Wood elves would pass by nearly undetected, fairies would flit about from flower to flower, and occasionally a unicorn would stop to drink at the water. It seemed that as I imagined things, they would appear. If I thought about an eagle, one would soon land on a nearby branch.

One day, near dusk I dared to imagine somebody close to me that is gone now from this world. Nothing happened. Nearly dark now, I started to leave, hoping I didn’t offend the grove by wishing for something that could never come to pass. As I quietly made my way off the small island I turned and came face to face with the one I had wished for. He was a young man and looked exactly as I remembered him. Light reflected off his curly blond hair and his wide, contagious smile was at this moment, just for me. He approached me silently as I felt the warmth from tears running down my face. He reached his hand out to me and I dared to take it in my own. It lasted only a brief moment and then he was gone, faded into the shadows of nightfall. Slowly, I left Glenbury Grove, filled with wonderment, peace and hope.

- Program Note by composer


Composed for Takayoshi "Tad" Suzuki and the Tad Wind Symphony.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Kansas: IV
  • Louisiana: IV
  • Texas: IV. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Martin Luther College (New Ulm, Minn.) Wind Symphony (Miles Wurster, conductor) - 18 May 2023 (Spring tour)
  • West Chester University (Penn.) Wind Symphony (M. Gregory Martin, conductor) – 25 April 2018
  • Gunn High School (?) Wind Ensemble – 2012


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Giroux, J. (2009). Glenbury Grove: For Concert Band [score]. Music Propria: San Antonio, Tex.
  • Julie Giroux website Accessed 10 July 2021

[[Category: 2009]