Incognito (5-Part Flex Band Gr. 1.5)

Incognito explores what unknown things happen in the shadows and depicts our journey toward uncovering answers that only bring about more questions. This cinematic work for young band is sure to bring a stealthy scene to your concert program.

Genre: 5-Part Flex Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: SpectraFlex Band Series
Level: 1.5 | Duration: 1:55

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (showing all transposed parts)
Condensed Score (in "C")

Adaptable Parts
(2 copies each of all parts for each listed instrument)
Part 1: Flute, Oboe, B-flat Clarinet, B-flat Trumpet
Part 2: B-flat Clarinet/Trumpet, Alto Saxophone
Part 3: B-flat Clarinet/Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, F Horn
Part 4: Tenor Saxophone, F Horn, Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon
Part 5: Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Trombone/Euphonium/B-flat Bassoon, Tuba, Double Bass

Percussion Parts
(1 required plus 2 optional parts)
Mallets [optional]: Bells, Xylophone, Vibraphone, and/or Marimba
Percussion 1 [required]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2 [optional]: Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Woodblock

Program Notes
Incognito puts the listener in the room where it happens. Perhaps it’s a transaction that the public shouldn’t know about. Maybe it’s adding a rider to a bill that the public will never read. Maybe it’s the genesis of what will eventually become a conspiracy. These aforementioned ideas give this piece its worth - a sneaky and down-low unfolding of the unknown. At first, the theme is quiet and suspenseful. It brings the listener in to listen to the whispers around the room. The interlude brings many voices out of the texture, and they’re all trying to say different things to throw us off the trail. At last the truth comes out in full force, in all of its bold yet devious nature. The piece closes with a coda of everyone asking the same question:

Is it the whole truth, or is there still something else?

– M.C.

The SpectraFlex Series
Originally developed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 to face the reality of socially distancing within our ensembles and to, therefore, create wind band literature that could be performed by a varied combination of instruments, the SpectraFlex Series has serendipitously filled a void in our catalog. This series for adaptable wind band features 5 to 6 parts (plus optional percussion) across the pitch spectrum of a traditional ensemble. Each part is transposed for multiple instruments, allowing for some flexibility.

Whether we are in a global crisis or normal times, there are ensembles around the world that do not have access to all of the instruments in traditional wind band music. This series is the perfect remedy. It is filled with pieces that have been adapted from existing works in our catalog that were originally written for full concert band, string orchestra, percussion ensemble, and more. Additionally, there are pieces that were written specifically for the series by composers at the height of their craft.