Dark Sky, Bright Horizon (Band Gr. 2)

Dark Sky, Bright Horizon is an engaging and distinctive early band piece. Students and audiences will love its infectious groove, memorable melodies, and unique percussion sounds.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Sapphire Band Series
Level: 2 | Duration: 2:45

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score

Flute
Oboe [optional]
Bassoon [optional]
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani [2 drums]
Bells
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 3: Brake Drum, Flexatone
Percussion 4: Ratchet, Vibraslap

Program Notes
Dark Sky, Bright Horizon was written for two primary reasons – to explore some musical ideas not normally found in beginning band repertoire and to reinforce more basic musical concepts. By using a very basic motif in a variety of ways, this piece helps students learn about basic syncopation and reinforces accurate counting, while also introducing a more elaborate harmonic structure. This piece also incorporates handheld percussion instruments not normally found in beginning literature.