Transactions (Band + Electronics Gr. 5)

Transactions is a testament to the power of the connections we make in life. The piece’s three-note motif (F, G, E), a sound currently ubiquitous in the United States, is played by debit/credit card readers in many stores to signify that a transaction has been approved. This opening gesture becomes the catalyst from which the piece unfolds, with the motif changing hands numerous times, continually transformed and presented against a variety of emotional backdrops.

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

Instrumentation
Conductor's Score (11x17 spiral bound)

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Flute 3
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet [optional]
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
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Euphonium T.C.
Tuba

Double Bass [optional]
Piano
Synthesizer (with MainStage)

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1: Marimba
Percussion 2: Glockenspiel, Crotales
Percussion 3: Vibraphone
Percussion 4: Drum Set
Percussion 5: Wind Chimes, Shaker, Tambourine, Sizzle Crash, Ride, China, Splash Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, 2 Toms, 2 Brake Drums
Percussion 6: Triangle, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Temple Blocks, Suspended Cymbal

Program Notes
Transactions was commissioned by the Hickory Ridge High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Mr. Christopher White for their performance at the 2022 North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference.

Oxford defines a transaction as an exchange or interaction between people. To me, the cycle of teaching and learning is a long series of exchanges between our minds, hearts, and souls. When teachers transmit deep ideas, feelings, and their own humanity through their work with students, the results can literally change the lives of everyone involved. Transactions deals with ideas changing hands, ideas influencing feelings, and feelings expressing the soul.

The piece opens with a three-note motif (F, G, E), a sound currently ubiquitous in the United States, played by debit/credit card readers in many stores to signify that a transaction has been approved. This opening gesture becomes the catalyst from which the piece unfolds, with the motif changing hands numerous times, continually transformed and presented against a variety of emotional backdrops.

At its core, Transactions is a testament to the power of the connections we make in life. I hope the piece serves as a springboard for the life-affirming experiences we all strive for as musicians, teachers, and learners.

University of Georgia Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Molly Blair