Original Marching Band Show

Premeire

TBD

Duration

8’00”

Instrumentation

Picc, Fl, Bb Clar, B Clar, A Sax, T Sax, 2 Tpt, 2 Hn, Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Drum Line (S.D. + Quads + 5 B.D.) 5 Mallets, Aux. Perc.

Publisher

Manuscript

Audio Sample

Altered States - Midi Rendering

Program Notes

Altered States is Noah D. Taylor’s first original marching band score. It was commissioned by the Worthington Kilbourne High School Marching Band, under the direction of Phil Day. Altered States will be performed by the group at Ohio marching band competitions in the Fall of 2008.

Notes from the Composer

One of the most exciting art forms of the American music culture, especially in the mid-western and southern states is the music played by competitive marching bands. There is so much energy and excitement created from the combination of the mastery of visual technique and musical expression.

My friend Phil Day asked me to compose an original piece for his band in the autumn of 2007. Although I immediately agreed to compose this work for his band, I kept thinking to myself, “What have you got yourself into now, Taylor?” By this point I had written many concert band works, but I had never written a marching band show, let alone, not even arranged any music for that type of ensemble. I begin to immerse myself in the world of marching band music, to begin to better understand the language in which it is written. the challenge of writing music for a marching band, is that the music, although a very important part, is just one piece of the a larger composition. When composing, one has to be thinking visually, so that the music will work well when it is given to the drill writer. Also, the music has to be always be moving ahead, and building to the next impact point, so that can inspire a great visual program. As i began to compose themes, I kept thinking about what the drill design would look like, what color would flag would the color guard be using, and how would the band look as they marching the piece. These decisions were not mine to make of course, but if the music can’t inspire a good picture, then it wouldn’t be good enough.

Phil wanted a new type of marching band show for his band, as he is moving the marching program in a new direction. From the moment he arrived at Worthington Kilbourne High School, Phil has been trying to mold the marching band into a special group. When I asked him about what type of show he wanted for the band, he said he wanted the energy and excitement of my concert works but on the field. As I wrote the piece, I sent many drafts to Phil, and his edits and ideas helped me to quickly find a voice that worked in this medium.

Altered States is based on a single theme stated in the opener measures of the piece. I then used this theme to generate other melodies and material, to give the piece unity while I wrote contrasting sections. The introduction begins soft and meditative; it sets up the overall mood of the show, while drawing the audience in. Then the music immediately shifts to the dramatic with forceful chords and percussion flair. The first section after the introduction is a fast and flowing section. Meant to sound like a dance, the flowing lyrical melody is contrasted by accented rhythmic figures and loud impact points.

The second section of Altered States features the front ensemble and the drum line, with exciting mallet technique and solo drum line features. It begins with a dramatic statement from the whole band then shifts to the mallets. It was important to me to keep the entire band involved with each movement. The aggressive percussion feature is accompanied by building harmonic progressions from the woodwinds and the brass.

The third movement brings back the theme from the introduction in a fully developed from. Beginning softly, explores rich harmonic progressions that push and pull throughout each section. This work builds as it develops finally reaching a dramatic climax of volume, harmony, and emotional. As the Altered States theme returns, the movement slowly fades away. This is my favorite part of the marching band show. While writing this movement I took every opportunity for nuance and orchestrational detail.

The final section of the piece, which is quite fast, begins with an explosion of volume and marked rhythmic qualities. This movement is meant to sound like a struggle for heroes as it builds. The declaratory melody and accompaniment is then contrasted by a lighter dance-like section that then builds back up to a climactic ending. Altered States overall is a contrast of color and volume. This was an exciting project to be a part of. I hope audiences find the piece to be very exciting and dramatic.