Oppositional Elements (4-Part Flex Band Gr. 5)

Oppositional Elements is an exciting exercise in the interaction of opposing voices, texturally as well as contrapuntally and dynamically. The constant interplay of different elements, sharing space with alternating accents and rhythmic figures, provides an energy much like that which is created between magnets, both in attraction and repulsion. Motivic ideas bounce off of and around each other constantly, driving the piece to a frenzied close.

Genre: 4-Part Flex Band | # of Players: 4+
Series: The MaxFlex Series
Level: 5 | Duration: 4:30

Instrumentation
Full Score (showing all transposed parts)
Condensed Score (only “C” parts)

Adaptable Parts
(2 copies each of Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 for each instrument)
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet / Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone /Baritone Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet / Baritone T.C.
F Horn
Trombone / Euphonium / Bassoon
Tuba
Double Bass

Optional Percussion Parts
Timpani [4 drums]
Keyboard Percussion: Bells, Xylophone, Crotales [1-octave]
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Concert Tom, Splash Cymbal, 2 Woodblocks, Bongos
Percussion 2: Tambourine, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
Oppositional Elements is an exercise in the interaction of opposing voices, texturally (depending on the chosen instruments playing), as well as contrapuntally and dynamically. The constant interplay of different elements, sharing space with alternating accents and rhythmic figures, provides an energy much like that which is created between magnets, both in attraction and repulsion. Motivic ideas bounce off of and around each other constantly, driving the piece to a frenzied close.

The makeup of each ensemble will ultimately dictate the colors created, allowing the experience the potential to be different at every performance. Clarity should be a top priority, focusing on the ever-shifting tier of importance of the material being played.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The MaxFlex Series for adaptable wind band offers maximum flexibility with pieces across all grade levels, featuring 4 parts plus optional percussion. Each part is transposed and playable by any wind or keyboard percussion instrument in the ensemble. Recommended part assignments are included, but directors may “mix and match” as they see fit.