Champion (Band Gr. 4)

Rossano Galante's Champion combines emotional expressiveness and technical brilliance. It not only celebrates the achievements of Martin Fischer, but is an example of music's ability to capture heroism and inspiration in sound. With its changing moods and impressive musical climaxes, it is a lasting testament to the art of musical storytelling and a worthy tribute to an extraordinary conductor.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: N/A
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:45

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

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2 / English Horn
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium B.C.
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba 1 & 2
String Bass

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallets 1: Xylophone, Marimba
Mallets 2: Bells
Percussion 1-2: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 3-4: Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals
Percussion 5: Triangle, Slapstick

Program Notes
Champion opens with robust, rhythmic fanfares in brass leading to a powerful, melodic statement performed by horns and trumpets. This is accompanied by pointillistic ostinati in upper winds, low brass and percussion. The theme develops to a lighter, lyrical setting by solo winds and paired with a “morse code” type accompaniment in clarinets and low reeds. This is reinstated with fuller orchestration and decorative woodwinds swirling about. The piece transitions to a very delicate, emotional theme, building to a more grandiose, lush version. The work evolves to a third melody which is heroic in nature, utilizing majestic brass. After a brief reprise of the main thematic material, the piece ends as it began, with epic brass fanfares culminating to a thrilling conclusion!