Empire Service (Band Gr. 5)

Empire Service is a fantasia for the developing wind ensemble that invites listeners on a vibrant, cinematic journey through the heart of Upstate New York. As the Empire Service line embarks from the thunderous mist of Niagara Falls towards the steel canyons of Manhattan, listeners are immersed in the pastoral beauty of the Empire State. At times it evokes the spirit of Americana (with nods to Aaron Copland and John Williams), while at others paying homage to New York City’s unmistakable attitude with some jazz-inspired snark. The piece culminates in a grand arrival at Pennsylvania Station.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Diamond Band Series
Level: 5 | Duration: 4:45

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (11x17 spiral bound)

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
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 & 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba
Double Bass

Timpani (4 drums)
Keyboard Percussion: Chimes, Xylophone, Glockenspiel
Percussion 1: Mark Tree, Hi-Hat, Snare Drum, Ride Cymbal
Percussion 2: Concert Bass Drum
Percussion 3: Triangle, 2 Woodblocks, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
Empire Service is a fantasia for the developing wind ensemble that invites listeners on a vibrant, cinematic journey through the heart of Upstate New York—aboard one of its most iconic trains.

As the Empire Service line embarks from the thunderous mist of Niagara Falls towards the steel canyons of Manhattan, listeners are immersed in the pastoral beauty of the Empire State. At times it evokes the spirit of Americana (with nods to Aaron Copland and John Williams), while at others paying homage to New York City’s unmistakable attitude with some jazz-inspired snark. The piece culminates in a grand arrival at Pennsylvania Station.

Empire Service is the full arc of New York’s identity: rural and urban, serene and bold, timeless and modern.