Griffin

From Wind Repertory Project
Christen Taylor Holmes

Christen Taylor Holmes


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General Info

Year: 2022
Duration: c. 7:30
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
English Horn
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra-Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone I-II
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
Double Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-VI, including

  • Bass Drum
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Woodblocks (2)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy was a trans activist from Chicago, and a part of the Stonewall Riots. I think that was really interesting because we talk so much about Marsha P. Johnson. I kind of feel like that’s kind of the ‘staple name’ for that time period in trans activism, but it’s important to know other names too. That was the thing that clicked, the spark of inspiration for the piece. I thought, “Oh! That’s a pretty unique name. I feel like I don’t really see that often.” And it’s symbolic. A mythological griffin is symbolic for bravery or strength.

Griffin runs little over seven and a half minutes. I knew I wanted the piece to be celebratory, more lighthearted and upbeat. I wanted to convey this duality: to have some sort of contrast of this bravery, and this strength, and kind of this more grandiose element, and then the opposite of this kind of slower, somber element. Overall, my goal was to not only represent the griffin as a mythological creature, but also this other symbolic side. How does this relate to queerness, and can I as a queer person be powerful and be uplifted? And how can I deal with these moments that are also more serious, and struggles?

I definitely -- along with many other queer people -- have struggled with internalized and external homophobia. So being recognized not only as a musician, but a queer musician, is really important. It’s important that people are able to see what I can do -- that queer people are able to see what I can do.

- Program Note by composer


Media

None discovered thus far.


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by this Composer


Resources