Cascade (Jazz Band Gr. 4)

Cascade is a bossa-rock fusion piece that uses a simple melody to highlight the whole range of the big band ensemble. The polyphony between the three wind sections in the big band is a monumental part of the experience, with each instrument group getting to shine. Although the name of the piece originates from the descending chord sequence, the composer hopes that "Cascade" brings images of nature, perhaps waterfalls.

Genre: Jazz Ensemble | # of Players: Standard
Series: Ruby Jazz Series
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:25

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone 1
Tenor Saxophone 2
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
B-flat Trumpet 4 (optional Flugelhorn)

Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Trombone 4 (Bass)

Electric Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drum Set

Program Notes
Wyatt Willard composed Cascade between December 2023 and January 2024. The piece was workshopped with Dave Becker and the Cal Poly Jazz Ensemble, and premiered with them on February 23rd, 2024. The two main draws of this piece are the harmony and the interplay between the different sections in the ensemble. Cascade borrows harmony from game soundtracks, pop songs, and jazz standards, and blends it all into one cohesive journey. The primary section is a sequence of descending, yet bright, chords that don’t fit into one key, but each transition is made smooth despite the chromaticism. Secondly, all of the instrument groups get time in the spotlight, even the rhythm section. Saxophones play fast runs, trumpets soar above the ensemble, trombones add a loud brightness to the tenor and bass register, and the rhythm section gets featured at multiple moments. Overall, Cascade is a unique journey that gives each performer in the ensemble a part of that adventure. The musicians and audience members alike share in enjoying the landscape of sound.