To the Sky (Stephenson)

From Wind Repertory Project
James Stephenson

James Stephenson


General Info

Year: 2012
Duration: c. 4:55
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: FJH Music Company Inc
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $75.00   |   Score Only (print) - $11.00


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
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
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • China Cymbals
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tennis Ball Cans, new
  • Tom-Tom
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Wood Block


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

To the Sky is a new concert band work (2012) written for the first graduating class of Skyline High School [Ann Arbor, Michigan]. At the invitation of Director of Bands Jason Smith, Jim Stephenson traveled to Skyline in the spring of 2011 to meet with the students, and to hear the band play. He was immediately struck with a “wonderful spirit and high level of music making.” Says Stephenson:

It was fun to interact with the students as one by one they pleaded with me to give them a solo, or make sure their section had a good part ... More than anything I wanted to celebrate the atmosphere surrounding the excitement of a new school having its first ever graduating class. I wanted to capture the promise that the future holds for these young individuals; the sense of anticipation, and the sense of transition from one stage of life into another. Obviously, the title is a reference to this piece dedicated “To the Sky”-line students, but also represents my encouragement to them to take their dreams and persevere without limit.

- Program Note from score


Opening with an edge of uncertainty, soft brass fanfares immediately begin to build in intensity until bold harmonic lines rise to support the soaring melodic material. A flurry of rhythmic activity catapults the work forward in joyous fashion while lyrical lines continue in stark contrast. Eventually, the opening fanfare material returns while woodwind flourishes drive the work to an exciting conclusion.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Indiana: ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP II
  • Maryland: V


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

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