FLOURISH FOR OLANA - (Duration 2:10) By Jeff Jordan

Published by Daehn Publications - DP9911

Level: Middle School / High School

“Flourish for Olana” takes it’s name from the home of artist Frederick Church in Olana, New York. “Olana” is the Arabic word meaning “our place on high” and the energy created by this short, but ingenious work is worthwhile of the name. “Flourish” is scored for a basic concert band with emphasis on 3 individual clarinet, trumpet and trombone parts (with 2 individual flute and horn parts). Note that the trumpets perform the fanfare melody of the A theme; scored in a very comfortable range. A minimum of six percussion players will be needed to cover the active parts for snare drum, bass drum, suspended and crash cymbals, gong, triangle, timpani, bells and chimes.

This short (61 measure) piece is loosely framed in A-B-A form with melodic writing that is bold in nature with a surprisingly unpredictable accompaniment pattern in the B theme (a welcome exception from the predictable “stock” accompaniment patterns of years past). The first two-thirds of “Flourish” are in the key of Eflat major while the return of the A theme includes a key change to F major. The two strengths of this piece are 1.) the flexibility of meter changes to outline motivic sections and build musical direction, and 2.) the vitality of the overall picture of the work created by the purposeful dynamic markings. Good things come in small packages and “Flourish” has many basic, yet wonderfully crafted, musical concepts that a middle school or high school band would benefit from in rehearsal and performance. The short length allows “Flourish” to successfully service in the capacity as both a functional or artistic contribution to your concert program. This work is dedicated to the Seminole High School Concert Band with special thanks to Dr. Jack Stamp for his guidance during the process of composition.

RETURN OF THE DAWN TREADER - (Duration 4:00) By Richard Meyer

Published by Queenwood Publications - 00884026

Level: Middle School

“The Dawn Treader” is the name of the enchanted boat from the series of children’s stories “The Chronicles of Narnia” (1950-56) made famous by C. S. Lewis. Scored for the same instrumentation (with an additional challenging xylophone part) as “Flourish for Olana”, “Return of the Dawn Treader” is longer (169 measures; no repeats) and more developed in form, but less developed in melodic and rhythmic construction. A driving introduction is followed by a slower, more majestic A theme that includes a beautiful trumpet duet and isolated solos for flute, clarinet, and alto saxophone. The next section changes from the initial key of Eflat major to Bflat major and 6/8 time with an extended flute solo. This solo is joined by the xylophone and carries the B theme to measure 127 where both A and B themes are overlapped together with the return of the key of Eflat major (similar to the ending of the Bizet “Farandole” from the L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2). Motivic material from the introduction returns to make a clear conclusion. Generally simple in melodic and rhythmic construction, yet rich with programmatic material from the literature of C. S. Lewis and lessons in form and analysis, “Return of the Dawn Treader” should continue to be a useful selection for your growing middle school concert band program. For more information please read “Interdisciplinary Teaching in the Large Ensemble Rehearsal” by Lori Anne Elias also in this issue.