PERPETUATION - Parts & Score

Grade 2.5
 
Duration 4:45
 
When speaking with the conductor of the Southern Maine Junior Music Academy Band, we discussed certain criteria he wished for in this piece: exciting to play, up-beat, interesting parts for all players, lots of percussion, etc... Instead of the often-used minor keys, I decided to have the main theme in Eb Major with the opening eliciting a sense of celebration (it was for the 15th anniversary of the camp). I spent time thinking about music camps and how they impact students' (and teachers') lives; what it means to have students from many communities and varied musical backgrounds coming together to work, experience and perform music in a week (sometimes two). Music camps happen throughout the country each summer and share these common traits. This concept of "coming together" frames the piece: themes oming together individually and then ultimately as one, as does the final performance. The 'perpetuating' rhythm present throughout the piece, represents the band camp experience; vibrant and consistent.
 
Vhen I have taught at music camps, I have observed students arriving with excitement, nervousness, and wonder about what new experiences await them. The opening measures signify the arrival of students with this sense of eagerness. Three themes are played (trumpet-meas. 21, clarinet-meas. 55, and low brass-meas. 96) representing the reunion of friends as well as beginning of new friendships. As the piece heads to the conclusion, all layers are played simultaneously, simulating this temporary community of musicians coming together for the camp's concluding perfornance. The final chord of the piece is followed by the 'perpetuating' rhythm as the clarinets fade into the distance. This ending evokes the thought that although the music camp may have ended, the memories and experiences of the veek live on indefinitely.
 
I hope that your students are able to attend music camps and will relate their own feelings and experiences to this piece. Having students share their own camp experiences will make a deeper connection to the music.
 
Enjoy,
Brad Ciechomski