Edge of Extinction (Band Gr. 2)

Feature your percussionists in this dramatic and programmatic work that incorporates boomwhackers and vibraslap to enhance the band’s sonority. This creative piece is built on the 3 musical pitches from “EDGE” in the title, recalling the 2019 Australian wildfires that endangered koalas. Dissonant harmonies add tension to this evocative work that will captivate your audience.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Sapphire Band Series
Level: 2 | Duration: 2:25

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score

Flute
Oboe [optional]
Bassoon [optional]
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
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]
Mallets; Bells, Xylophone
Boomwhackers [C, D, F, G]
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Vibraslap, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
The 2019-20 Australian bushfire season was the biggest in its history, destroying 46 million acres. An estimated 1 billion animals were killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction. This creative composition is built around the 5 rhythmic syllables of the title and the written 4 notes on the staff that spell “EDGE” for B-flat instruments. The opening drone, simulating an Australian didgeridoo, sets the stage as the 5-note motive is first presented solely in the flute and then spreads throughout the band as did their wildfires. The use of the vibraslap and colorful boomwhackers helps to provide a bush-like sonority and drive to the piece. The fast tempo and continuous wave of eighth notes throughout symbolize the wildfires rolling quickly over the land while the ominous minor mode melody depicts the plight of the animals trying to escape it. The aggressive passage beginning at m.34 represents the brave firefighters battling the blaze while the occasional soft legato passages represent the gentle koalas who unfortunately lost one third of their species and native habitat from this chain of wildfires.