By Jared Spears

Published by Kjos Concert BandWorks

Grade 3 – WB205F

The high level of compositional detail that Jared Spears is known for resounds in "Bravo!" which was premiered in 1997 by the convention band of the Association of Concert Bands in Lafayette, Louisiana with the composer conducting. The overall form is a basic ABA with a coda and well designed transition sections that make use of mixed time signatures. The work stays in concert Eflat major and is 148 measures long; approximately 5:10 in length.

The strength of the work exists in the treatment of the contrasting of woodwind ostanato patterns and brass melodic lines in the A sections and the auxiliary percussion parts that highlight them. A string alto saxophone section will compliment the writing. "Bravo!" may give the impression of a challenging piece of music, but it the overall good contrapuntal writing that takes credit for this effect. The last eight bars are the most challenging, but the work itself is not as difficult as other grade 3 pieces. The score calls for only 2 horn parts and 3 trumpet parts.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is the finely detailed form analysis printed on the second page of the score that outlines tempos, themes and phrase lengths. This form analysis is invaluable as a teaching tool for high school students or for elementary conducting classes at the college level.

By Jeff Jordan

Published by Kjos Concert BandWorks

Grade 4 – WB200F

Tharsos is dedicated to Dr. John Pozdro, composition teacher at the University of Kansas. Translated from Greek it stands for courage. The work opens with a six measure Andante introduction which leads to a sustained Allegro vivo to the end of this 125 measures long work (approximately 3:45 in length). There is a contrasting chamber music inspired section in the middle of the Allegro vivo area, but the work maintains the drive with the use of the percussion. The entire work is printed the key of concert F major and uses the lydian mode throughout. There are three separate themes that connect the work. The tonal and rhythmic language necessary from the wind players is not out of the ordinary and multiple solo opportunities exist for flute, alto saxophone, trumpet, and trombone.

The most impressive aspect of the work is the musical integration of the percussion and wind parts. The score calls for no less than five multiple percussion parts with a strong emphasis on bells, xylophone, marimba, and vibraphone. Most modern band works include "busy" percussion sections, but "Tharsos" actually treats the percussion section as a musical contribution to the overall picture.