Pioneers, The

From Wind Repertory Project
Philip Sparke

Philip Sparke


General Info

Year: 2005
Duration: c. 6:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Anglo Music
Cost: Score and Parts - $94.00   |   Score Only - $19.95


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
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-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bongos
  • Crash Cymbal
  • Glockenspiel
  • Maracas
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Great Britain has had a National Youth Brass Band since 1952, which caters for players between the ages of 12 and 18 and has produced many outstanding instrumentalists in its distinguished history.

An exciting development took place in July 2004 when the first summer course of a new National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain, for players between the ages of 8 and 13, was held in Bromsgrove, Worcester. Renowned cornet soloist and conductor Lynda Nicholson was appointed music director, and she commissioned Philip Sparke to write a piece for this inaugural course. The Pioneers was the result.

The title refers to the fact that the NCBBGB was starting out on a new adventure but is also a salute to the bicentenary of an expedition by two of the composer’s heroes – Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They were commissioned by U.S. President Thomas Jefferson to find the headwaters of the Mississippi and a route to the Pacific Ocean following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of USA. They set out, as the ‘Corps of Discovery’, from Louisville, Kentucky, in May 1804; not only did they succeed in reaching the Pacific through hostile territory, but also found their way back - in three years! The piece is not descriptive of the journey but gives the composer the opportunity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of this amazing feat.

- Program note by publisher


Here's a celebratory piece commemorating the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark expedition. Multi-metered and rhythmic, and full of imagination as is so typical of Sparke's writing. Jubilant and festive, this is meaty stuff that will help your band reach for that next level of performance!

- Program note by publisher


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources