Vertical Acceleration (Band Gr. 4.5)

Vertical Acceleration paints a musical portrait of a journey through the cosmos – from ignition to take-off to gliding through space outside the bounds of earth's gravity. Ever growing as the spaceship begins its return to earth, the music becomes faster and more rhythmic, incorporating a 7/8 meter. It culminates in an uplifting, powerful and emotional conclusion as the bold astronauts conclude their voyage.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Series:
Level: 4.5 | Duration: 6:05

Instrumentation
Score (8.5"x11" stapled booklet)

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Bass 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 & 2
F Horn 3 & 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba 1 & 2
String Bass

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallets 1: Xylophone, Vibraphone, Marimba
Mallets 2: Glockenspiel
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam
Percussion 2: Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals
Percussion 3: Triangle, Shakers

Program Notes
Vertical Acceleration paints a musical portrait of a journey through the cosmos. The music begins with a short, rhythmic motive that propels us forward as the engines ignite and the ascent begins. The music becomes more melodious, strong and powerful as the spacecraft and its passengers break through the bounds of earth’s gravity. As their capsule glides through space, the music evolves into a slower, more noble, melodic theme that is based on the opening motive. This theme continues as it blossoms in strength and power. Ever growing as the spaceship begins its return to earth, the music becomes faster and more rhythmic, incorporating a 7/8 meter. It culminates in an uplifting, powerful and emotional conclusion as the bold astronauts conclude their voyage.