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Program Notes
I have always had a fondness for writing miniatures, small musical pieces that complete a musical idea. I’ve explored this idea in two other works (Zooveniers and Palette) and realized that I had never written a collection of works for beginning ensembles. So, here we are.
I always try to make sure that my younger band pieces are tied very strongly to educational concepts. In this work, Time Travelers: First Mission, the idea was to create a series of miniatures that would allow younger players to practice different time signatures very quickly, hence the title. I also allowed my imagination to run wild and think of the different eras and ages one could visit if one did indeed have a time machine.
This work ranges from Grade .5 to Grade 1, depending on how many movements are selected to be performed. Each movement could work on its own as a worthy challenge and teaching tool for beginning students, or the challenge could be increased by playing more movements. The ranges for all instruments are very limited (first six notes) with the occasional accidental for color. I promise you…your kids can learn one or two more notes. I believe in you.
I hope you enjoy this work and traveling between different “times.”
Oh…and the Time Travelers WILL return.
Peace, Love, and Music
About the Movements:
Movement 1/5: The Time Travelers (4/4 Time)
The first movement serves as the “Theme song” for our time travelers. I imagined our heroes boarding their time vessel and setting out for the unknown. Being a child of the 80s, this movement is definitely inspired by the catchy theme songs of cartoons and tv series from that time period. Two endings are included based on if you are using this as the first movement, last movement, or both.
Movement 2: The Age of Cave Dwellers(2/4 Time)
Traveling to the stone age, this movement finds our explorers in the company of cavemen. Metered in 2/4 time, this movement uses grunting, chanting, stomping, dissonant sounds, heavy percussion, and bombastic low brass to paint a picture of this primitive era.
Movement 3: The Age of Pyramids (3/4 Time)
Taking inspiration from the number 3 (triangle), this work follows our explorers to ancient Egypt, standing in awe of the pyramids. This movement, metered in 3/4 time, is lyrical in nature and uses some altered notes to create a sense of exoticism and mystery.
Movement 4: The Age of Robots (6/8 Time)
Our heroes find themselves in danger as they travel to a time when robots rule the world! These mechanical monsters are symbolized with descending chromaticism and metallic percussion, as well as 6/8 meter. Players are only asked to learn 5 different 6/8 rhythms to provide an introductory experience in this time signature.
