Artemis Generation, The (String Orchestra Gr. 4 + Opt. Percussion)

Inspired by the lunar exploration program The Artemis Plan, this string orchestra work with optional percussion imagines the initial exploration phase, the discovery and colonization, and the unknown that lies ahead. With our population ever growing, and the Earth’s climate in danger, a new generation will have to find creative ways to sustain life. The Artemis Generation could be a big part of the solution.

Genre: String Orchestra | # of Players: 8-8-5-5-5-4
Series: Ruby Orchestra Series
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:35

Instrumentation
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

Optional Percussion
Percussion 1:Woodblock or Claves, Glockenspiel
Percussion 2: Large Tom, Snare Drum
Percussion 3: Suspended or Ride Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Brake Drum or Anvil
Percussion 4: Cabasa, Bass Drum

Program Notes
The Artemis Plan is a lunar exploration program initiated and outlined by NASA in September of 2020. It’s key components include setting humanity on a sustainable course to the moon, landing humans on the moon, creating a human-robotic presence on the moon, and eventually expanding to Mars. This piece, scored for string orchestra and 4 percussionists, imagines the initial exploration phase, the discovery and colonization, and the unknown that lies ahead. With our population ever growing, and the Earth’s climate in danger, a new generation will have to find creative ways to sustain life. The Artemis Generation could be a big part of the solution.

This work was commissioned by The American Youth String Ensemble and Director Laura Cahn Wallace.