Glory!

Glory was created to commemorate those lost in the war against Afghanistan. Set as a loose theme and variations, the work is based on the opening trumpet solo and goes through several transformations as it progresses. Glory was hand-picked by David Gillingham to be part of the Gillingham Signature Series.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 5 | Duration: 9:15

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1, 2, 3
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

F Horn 1, 2, 3, 4
Bb Trumpets 1, 2, 3, 4
Trombone 1/2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (vibraphone, marimba, xylophone)
Percussion 2 (crotales, tam-tam, vibraphone, marimba)
Percussion 3 (suspended cymbals, marimba, xylophone, 3 tom-toms, small bass drum, snare drum, vibraphone, tambourine, 2 brake drums)
Percussion 4 (3 tom-toms, small bass drum, large bass drum, 3 woodblocks, snare drum, bells, 3 brake drums)

Program Notes

Glory for wind band was created to commemorate those lost in the war against Afghanistan. During the piece's construction, the war had just broken out and the few American casualties that were caused by this conflict were being reported by the media. It was at this time I realized that many Americans would feel little loss due to the small number of casualties. I put myself in the place of the families who lost loved ones and began to imagine how catastrophic this skirmish must seem to them. Many Americans will not remember the sacrifice made by these soldiers and their families. This piece pays tribute to those who may already be forgotten.

The piece is constructed in a loosely-based theme and variations. The piece is based on material from the opening trumpet solo. The first variation features the trumpets in a brass fanfare. the oboes, and then horns, carry the theme in the second variation, which leads to a morose climax. The theme is carried by the trumpets and horns in the third variation and is driven by glistening woodwind lines. The piece is not programmatic in nature, but rather represents emotions felt by those who were called to duty, those who have died, and those who are blessed to return home.

- Robert Ash