Elegy for Wind Band (Band Gr. 4)

Written in memory of two young clarinet players, Elegy for Wind Band is meant to communicate the feelings associated with terminal illness and how it affects those that suffer from it. That being said, the central “journey” of this piece through dread and grief is to a place of acceptance.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Ruby Band Series
Level: 4 | Duration: 8:15

Instrumentation
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani [4 drums]
Vibraphone
Marimba [4-octave]
Chimes, Triangle
Percussion: Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum

Program Notes
Elegy for Wind Band was originally composed on behalf of the River Ridge High School Band Program from Woodstock, Georgia. The piece was written in remembrance of two young alumni of the band who had passed away within a short time of one another. As they were both clarinet players, this piece prominently features the clarinet section. The piece starts with a somber tone, reflecting the emptiness felt when experiencing tragic news. This progresses to feelings of anger, frustration and eventually loss. Throughout the piece, there are multiple instrument solos and section solis. This is meant to echo the voices of different members of a community expressing their grief. The hymn 'Be Thou My Vision' serves as an allegory for coming to terms with one’s mortality, as well as serving as a beacon of comfort for those that someone leaves behind. As the piece reaches its conclusion the tone shifts to one of celebration of an individual's life and acceptance of their passing. –A.P.