tpter1

I just wanted to share this with all of you. I had a simply smashing rehearsal with the hs band today. Those guys were absolutely on fire. We're doing 2 pieces: The Epic of Gilgamesh, by Robert Rumbelow (in 6 movements; based on a 4,000 year old poem about a harsh ruler found on stone tablets) and the march Brighton Beach. (A lovely march as marches go... kind of an English style).

Well, rehearsal opened with movements 5 and 6 of Gilgy (as it's come to be known). mvt 5 depicts the great flood; similar to the one in the tale of Noah's Ark. It's more of a color movement- very little (if any) melodic material, big rich chords depicting the undulation of waves, big cymbal crashes as the waves crash, ends with bird tweets in solo flute; you get the picture. 6 depicts the death and final judgement of Gilgamesh. Sticks are used by the entire ensemble at the opening of the movement, in 2 groups breaking up and pitting 1/8 note and 1/4 note triplets against one another; the pice changes to 2/2, and the opening theme, originally in 3/4 but now in 2/2 is interspersed with the Dies Irae in staccato 1/8 notes. The piece ends with glockenspiel and chimes playing 6 notes, all out of time (like church bells across the countryside) and the Dies Irae stated in 1/2 notes (still 2/2) and pounding toms using triplet figures. It is absolutely bone chilling. We'll be ending it with a complete blackout for added effect.

I told them at the beginning of rehearsal that musically, this is about as far to the edge of their abilities as they can be, and they should play that way. This is a very risky piece, and demands that everything be right on the edge.

These guys ripped into this like I'd never heard them tear into anything before. It was like I'd given them some kind of vitamin or something... I have this little tiny girl playing toms... she's a 9th grader... I swear I thought I'd need to replace heads or sticks or something. She's always so shy and for that to come out was really surprising.

This is gonna be a great concert. I can feel it. Next Wedesday. One more rehearsal (I'll be gone Fri...) to tie up loose ends and coordinate the blackout with my stage crew members on lights. Other band directors... if you can do this piece, it is completely worth it. (If you go to the jwpepper website and search for it you can give it a listen). You and your students will be transformed.

Man... I needed that!

Solar Bell

Sounds like a great concert Glenn!

-cw-

miles71

Its great when the students step up and play like they are capable. That feeling is why we do what we do. Have a great concert.