Sympatheia (Band Gr. 5)

Sympatheia is an ancient Greek word meaning “affinity of parts to the organic whole or mutual interdependence.” A colorful combination of melodies from the past of the Norwin High School band program, the piece was written to honor the legacy of the past while looking optimistically towards the future.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series: Diamond Band Series
Level: 5 | Duration: 6:30

Instrumentation
Transposed Score (11"x17" spiral bound)

Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Contrabass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C
Tuba

Offstage B-flat Trumpet (optional)

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallets 1: Glockenspiel, Suspended Cymbal
Mallets 2: Vibraphone*, Xylophone, Tam-Tam
Mallets 3: Vibraphone*, Chimes, Sizzle Cymbal
Percussion 1: Field Drum, Crotales
Percussion 2: Concert Snare Drum, 5 Concert Toms, Echo Tree (or Mark Tree)
Percussion 3 [2 players]: Concert Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal
Offstage Field Drum (optional)

*Two Vibraphones are required

Program Notes
Reflecting on the legacy of the Norwin band program, two things came vividly to mind: the interconnectedness of 100 years of alumni and the imagery of knights rising for battle, working together in victory, and finally returning home to honor those who have since passed and celebrating the ability to fight another day. The ancient Greek term Sympatheia is a pivotal concept of stoic philosophy and means “affinity of parts to the organic whole or mutual interdependence”. It was obviously the perfect title and inspiration to set a mood of reflection and connection.

Woven throughout the work are melodies important to the Norwin band program. Some are presented more overtly than others, but my intent was to have the past surface from the fog for brief moments, but ultimately subside as we continue to look to the future and generations of Knights to come.

Sympatheia was Commissioned by the Norwin High School Bands, in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Norwin Band Program.

– C.H.