Six Short Scenes
General Info
Year: 2018
Duration: c. 8:30
Difficulty: I (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Michael Mikulka
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $100.00; (digital) - $40.00
Movements
1. Two Contrasts
2. Dignified Waltz
3. Joyful March
4. Rustic Dance
5. Mournful Song
6. Russian Dance
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute
Oboe (optional)
Bassoon (optional)
B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet (optional)
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flatTenor Saxophone (optional)
E-flat Baritone Saxophone (optional)
B-flat Trumpets I-II
Horn 9 F
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani (optional)
Percussion I-VI, including
- Bass Drum
- Glockenspiel
- Marimba (optional)
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Vibraphone (optional)
- Wind Chimes
- Xylophone (optional)
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
Six Short Scenes consists of a series of short movements. It can be performed in its entirety or movements can be mixed and matched. The movements vary in difficulty from grade 0.5 to grade 1.5. It was inspired by my experiences as a long-term substitute band director at Burnet Middle School in Austin, Texas.
Two Contrasts is the most technically simple movement. It emphasizes fundamentals such as counting repeated figures and matching pitch and articulation. It centers dynamic variances and stylistic variances in a very stark and understandable way.
Dignified Waltz is a good beginning 3/4 piece with an accompaniment pattern providing a balance of repetition and challenge.
Joyful March is an excellent introduction to march form, and it introduces a repeated syncopated rhythm.
Rustic Dance utilizes a less straightforward harmonic language and several three-measure phrases. These challenges are balanced by relatively minimal technical demands.
Mournful Song provides a simple introduction to aleatoric music. It also provides an opportunity to teach shaping of phrases.
Russian Dance contains a lot of unison rhythm and provides an opportunity for the ensemble to balance, blend, and create long phrases.
- Program Note by composer
Media
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Friends Music Camp Band + String Quartet (Michael Mikulka, conductor) – 27 July 2019
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Concerto for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble (2013)
- Etudes for Wind Ensemble (2019)
- First Suite for Wind Band (2016)
- The Florentainer (2013)
- From Detroit to LA (2011)
- Godzilla Devours Reno (2013)
- The Inaudible Do (2013)
- Music to Drift Away With (2019)
- Panic! (2010)
- Prelude and Fugue (2011)
- Six Short Scenes (2018)
- Symphony No. 3 for Wind Ensemble (2015/2020)
- Through the Icy Dawn (2010)
- Unfurl (2019)
Resources
- Michael Mikulka website Accessed 12 October 2020
- New Band Music
- Perusal score