Metal

From Wind Repertory Project
Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages


General Info

Year: 2013
Duration: c. 3:30
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $100.00   |   Score Only - $10.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
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-IV
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Crotales
  • Drum Set (optional)
  • Hi-Hat
  • Ride Cymbal
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Metal was conceived as an opener or closer inspired by two different types of "metal." The first type manifests itself in the considerable use of metallic sounds in the percussion section. The vast majority of the percussion instrumentation relies on metal instruments, both pitched and non-pitched. The only exceptions are timpani, snare drum, and bass drum.

The second inspiration actually comes from the genre of "heavy metal." I grew up listening to a wide range of music, and I often like to go back to these early influences and explore the idea of setting them in a contemporary framework. While the style does not completely emerge in full form, there are several instances throughout the piece that suggest a strong heavy metal influence.

Metal was commissioned by the Herndon High School Wind Ensemble and director Kathleen Jacoby to celebrate the school's 100th anniversary. The fusion of styles in the piece reflects the diversity of the school as well as its evolution over the past 100 years. In addition, the piece commemorates the original ideal upon which the school was founded -- that the "Pride of Herndon" is a diverse group of students and teachers who can still come together after 100 years and stand as one.

- Program Note by composer


This creative work was inspired by two different types of metal, the first being the metallic sounds created by the percussion section and the fact that many percussion instruments are metal. The second type of metal refers to heavy metal, and the composer’s fascination with taking musical influences from earlier in his life and presenting them in a contemporary wind band framework. Though the heavy metal style does not emerge in full form, the style is suggested through the use of loud, thick orchestration and low trombone lines that reflect distorted electric guitars playing power chords. Expertly scored at a brisk tempo with rhythmic intensity throughout, the piece includes effective use of alternating meters, interesting textures, muted effects in the brass, and solo opportunities for clarinet.

-Program Note by The Instrumentalist, October 2013, page 32.


Media


State Ratings

  • Maryland: V
  • Texas: IV. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • State University of New York Potsdam Crane Concert Band (Pwter B. Lewis, conductor) - 19 April 2023
  • Champion High School Symphonic Honors Band (Kevin Arnott, conductor) - 2 April 2019
  • Liberty University (Lynchburg, Va.) Wind Symphony (Stephen Kerr, conductor) – 17 March 2019 (Beckley, W. Va.)
  • Gettysburg (Penn.) College Symphony Band (Russell McCutcheon, conductor) – 16 November 2018
  • Florida International University (Miami) Symphonic Band (Barry Bernhardt, conductor) - 1 March 2018
  • Lafayette High School Symphonic Band(Brad Balog, conductor) – 3 March 2016
  • University of Minnesota, Duluth, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, (Daniel Eaton, guest conductor) - 22 February 2015
  • Fairhope High School (Ala.) Wind Ensemble (John Milham, percussion) - 14 May 2013


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources