Sky, The (from 'Grouse Creek Symphony')

The Sky one part of a larger work based on landscape art of the vast central plains. The prairie sky is wondrous in its expanse and scope, always changing and inspiring. This work is an expression of the many moods and majesty one finds simply by looking upward.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Clarinet in Bb 1/2
Clarinet in Bb 3
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet in Bb 1/2
Trumpet in Bb 3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Snare Drum)
Percussion 2 (Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine)
Percussion 3 (4 Concert Toms)
Percussion 4 (Xylophone)
Percussion 5 (Vibraphone)

Program Notes
I have written many works that combine various arts (in many forms) with music: literature, silent cartoons, children’s books, masks, and photography. The Sky is part of a symphony based on the artwork of landscape artist Mark Flickinger, who finds his inspiration in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The prairie sky, massive, powerful, and always changing, is a wonder in itself; I tried to capture its many moods and majesty in this piece.

- Gary Gackstatter