Colorado Rockies (Band Gr. 4.5)

The snowcapped Rocky Mountains, which were formed some 80 million years ago, are a breathtakingly beautiful sight. This strong, robust composition works to capture the grandeur of this magnificent North American treasure.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series:
Level: 4.5 | Duration: 6:00

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5"x11")

Piccolo (1)
Flute 1 (4)
Flute 2 (4)
Oboe 1 (1)
Oboe 2 (1)
Bassoon 1 (1)
Bassoon 2 (1)
B-flat Clarinet 1 (4)
B-flat Clarinet 2 (4)
B-flat Clarinet 3 (4)
Bass Clarinet (2)
Alto Saxophone 1 (2)
Alto Saxophone 2 (2)
Tenor Saxophone (2)
Baritone Saxophone (1)

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

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

Program Notes
The snowcapped Rocky Mountains, which were formed some 80 million years ago, are a breathtakingly beautiful sight. This strong, robust composition works to capture the grandeur of this magnificent North American treasure. Using sleigh bells to begin the piece, as well as powerful thematic material stated by the brass, we hear the spirit of winter. This develops into a more playful section that depicts the hustle and bustle and energy of the season. The composition now moves into a melancholic, slower section that is based on the opening material, representing evening in Colorado as the day draws to a close. Then, as the sun rises and dawn approaches, the music becomes alive again utilizing the full ensemble, bringing the piece to its powerful conclusion.