Through the Emerald Lens (Perc Ens 6)

Through the Emerald Lens explores the multifaceted qualities of the emerald stone. The mystical introduction opens with a melodic motif that explores various modalities throughout the piece. Individual parts balance together to create sparkling textures and polyrhythmic grooves.

Genre: Percussion Ensemble | # of Players: 6
Series: N/A
Level: Intermediate | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Player 1: Glockenspiel [shared], Hi-Hat
Player 2: Vibraphone [+ bow], Snare Drum
Player 3: Chimes, 5-octave Marimba [shared]
Player 4: Suspended Cymbal, 5-octave Marimba [shared]
Player 5: Mark Tree, Triangle, Vibraphone
Player 6: Tam-Tam, Glockenspiel [shared]

Program Notes
Through the Emerald Lens was commissioned by Chris Carmean and the Pickerington North High School Percussion Ensemble.

When Chris Carmean invited me to write a piece for this special concert, the theme 'Pickerington Connections' spoke easily to me. I have had a few previous experiences with Pickerington, including rehearsing at Pickerington North HS with the Glassmen Drum & Bugle Corps and marching in the Rose Parade with the Saluting America's Band Directors Marching Band (a project of the Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation).

For this piece, the Pickerington connection that I drew inspiration from is the friendship I have with a particular Pickerington Band alum. This wonderful friend has been a consistent supporter of mine throughout my musical career, and the sparkle in my friend's uniquely green eyes led me to the idea of writing a piece about the emerald, entitled Through the Emerald Lens.

Through the Emerald Lens explores the emerald stone and what it symbolizes. The piece is divided into four major parts, each of which represents various qualities or symbols that the emerald stone is known for:

1) Magical, Mysterious, Mystical
2) The Heart Chakra ("Open the Heart and Calm the Emotions")
3) Wisdom, Truth, Patience
4) Friendship, Peace, Hope, Unconditional Love

– M.L.