Sunchaser
General Info
Year: 2017
Duration: c. 4:40
Difficulty: II (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $70.00; (digital) - $70.00 | Score Only (print) - $10.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute
Oboe (optional Flute II)
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Piano (optional Vibraphone)
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:
- Bass Drum
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Tambourine
- Triangle
- Wind Chimes
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
The term “sunchaser” or “chase the sun” can have various meanings, depending on the context. For example, in aviation, if a pilot heading west flies fast enough so that the sun does not move on the horizon, he is a sunchaser. The term can also mean chasing after something that’s rather unattainable, or it can refer to someone who is quite idealistic or inspirational.
I chose this title for a couple of reasons. First, I simply love the sun and the energy it provides me and all of nature. On a deeper level, I like to think more in terms of following dreams and trying to reach lofty goals. Even though some of these goals may seem out of reach at times, the journey definitely makes us stronger and is often the best part! The opening few measures are meant to portray the dawn of a new day, which quickly turns into a spirited adventure full of energy and life.
- Program Note by composer
The contemplative opening measures set the mood, depicting the dawn of a new day. As time passes and the day progresses, the music picks up momentum, quickly launching into a spirited adventure full of energy and life. This beautiful work is rife with musical imagery, highlighting the strengths of the younger band.
- Program Note from publisher
Media
State Ratings
- Texas: II. Complete
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) 5 O'Clock Concert Band (Jason Reznicek, conductor) - 25 February 2024
- Wiley Middle School (Leander, Tx.) Wind Ensemble (Taylor Williamson, conductor) – 10 February 2023 (2023 TMEA Conference, San Antonio)
- California All-State Junior High School Concert Band (Jeanne Christensen, conductor) – 20 February 2022 (2022 CASMEC Conference, Fresno)
- Claudia Taylor Johnson High School (San Antonio, Tx.) Wind Ensemble (Jarrett Lipman, conductor) - 19 December 2019 (2019 Midwest Clinic)
- University of Georgia (Athens) Hodgson University Band (David Stanley, conductor) – 19 April 2019
- Atlanta (Tx.) Middle School Symphonic Band (Kristen Thompson, conductor) - 15 February 2019 (2019 TMEA Conference, San Antonio)
- Granite Ridge Intermediate School (Fresno, Calif.) Symphonic Band (Jose Vargas, conductor) - 13 April 2018 (2018 San Joaquin Valley (Calif.) Concert Band Invitational)
- Santa Teresa High School (San Jose, Calif.) Concert Band 28 March 2018
Works for Winds by This Composer
Adaptable Music
- Byzantine Dances (Flex instrumentation) (2018/2020)
- Carol of the Bells (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1914/2020)
- Rhythmania! (Flex instrumentation) (2020/2021)
All Wind Works
- Alegría (2022)
- All for One, One for All (2019)
- All That We Are (2023)
- Beautiful River (as arranger) (1864/2011)
- The Bold Brigade (2020)
- Bright Light in the World (2022)
- Byzantine Dances (2018)
- Byzantine Dances (Flex instrumentation) (2018/2020)
- Carol of the Bells (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1914/2020)
- Cedar Canyon Sketches (2014)
- Clear Creek Canyon
- ConnectUS
- Cruisin' Bluesin' (2016)
- Dances for the Muse, Terpsichore (2022)
- Danza de España (2015)
- Down on the Delta (2022)
- Embark (2022)
- Energy Ball (2022)
- Fandango (2023)
- Fanfare Esprit (2022)
- Fearless (2022)
- The Great Green Kazoo (2019)
- Jumpstart! (2014)
- Kalos Eidos (2020)
- La Terre Sacrée (2021)
- Land of Enchantment (2022)
- March of the Freedom Fighters (2016)
- Moon Song and Tribal Dance (2014)
- Night Fury (2016/2017)
- Noble Procession (2014)
- Pipe and Thistle (2019)
- Rainbow in the Clouds (2017/2018)
- Rhythmania! (2021)
- Rhythmania! (Flex instrumentation) (2020/2021)
- Ridgeview Overture (2020)
- Rock Attack (2015)
- The Rusty Bucket (2015)
- So Wondrous Bright (2015)
- Softly Speaks the Night (2016)
- Song of the Fjords (2021)
- Squirrel Chase (2021)
- Summer Glen (2020)
- Sunchaser (2017)
- Tarantella (2022)
- To Create a Voice (2018)
- Where the Waters Meet (2021)
Resources
- Carol Brittin Chambers, Aspenwood Music
- Perusal score
- Richardson, Brett A. "Sunchaser." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 12, Compiled and edited by Andrew Trachsel, 295-301. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2021.