Postcards (Band Gr. 3.5) - Chad Heiny

Inspired by the composer’s travels through Europe, Postcards depicts three European locations in an imaginative composition for winds and percussion. The first two movements depict specific locales while the third movement invites its listeners to imagine a setting for the final act.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Emerald Band Series
Level: 3.5 | Duration: 5:40

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (8.5x11 stapled booklet)

Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
F Horn
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1: Glockenspiel, Medium Low Tom
Percussion 2: Xylophone, Marimba, Low Tom
Percussion 3: Snare Drum, Finger Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 4: Tenor Drum, Ratchet, Triangle, Castanets
Percussion 5: Bass Drum, Triangle
Percussion 6: Ratchet, Crash Cymbals, Sizzle Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
In the summer of 2022 my family and I visited Europe. It was a beautiful 2 weeks of bike tours, walking tours, train rides, museums, landmarks and of course, food. Our first stop was London, and though I was too scared to ride The London Eye, I was immediately transported to the top; overlooking a historical city atop a rickety amusement ride. In the writing of Postcards I was instantly taken back to that moment and my imagination started running away with the brass fanfare, industrial percussion and stately nature of the music.

Our next destination was Belgium, and along our travels we spent the day at Viller’s Abbey. I loved the peacefulness, beauty, and yet haunting undertones of the location, which has existed since the 12th century. The music for this movement came to me quickly; almost like it has always been in my head and waiting to come out onto the page. Finally, I wanted to write a movement that was based in fantasy instead of reality and though we did not go to Spain on our trip, I know we will someday. A face-off in a massive colosseum came to mind, but I leave it to the listener to paint the scene further: is it a standoff between a bull and toreador or between a first class striker and goal keeper? Postcards is dedicated to the 2024 PMEA District One East Junior High Band.

– C.H.