COLORS

The Colors Suite includes three separate 2-movement works for grade levels 1, 1.5, and 2. Each one demonstrates to students how musical elements can evoke images, stories, moods and more. 

Watch the full-score videos below, with detailed descriptions further down.

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READ MORE ABOUT EACH COMPOSITION

BLACK & RED

PROGRAM NOTES

BLACK AND RED is part of the themed concert “Colors”.  It is a suite in two continuous movements.

The first movement, BLACK AS NIGHT, depicts different moods that come with nighttime such as fear, mystery, and excitement. 

A RED SUNRISE is often thought to indicate that good weather has just passed through. It can also mean that the morning sky has a high moisture content. It certainly means that night has ended and a new day has arisen. The music shifts from dark evening moods to a more optimistic feeling.

PERFORMANCE NOTES

Students should learn the basic difference between major and minor tonalities, and decide which is used for each movement of the BLACK AND RED suite. 

1. BLACK AS NIGHT

Articulation is a very important element. Be sure to pay attention to all staccato notes (tip-toeing in the dark) and accented notes (things that go bump in the night!). 

Dynamics also play an important role; please do not play this piece at one volume level! There are two-measure contrasts between mp and f in the opening measures and numerous other dynamic changes throughout. 

2. RED SUNRISE

The transition from night to day occurs in measures 44-46. The tonality changes from minor to major, and the driving percussion rhythms give way to a more optimistic and peaceful feeling.

Students should play in a legato manner throughout. Be sure all the notes are smoothly connected, which is a contrast to the articulations found in BLACK AS NIGHT. The suspended cymbal rolls give the music a lift, as do the accidentals.

I hope you enjoy BLACK AND RED!

PURPLE & BLUE

PROGRAM NOTES

The color PURPLE has been associated with royalty since ancient times, largely because the dye used to make purple clothing came from the murex shellfish. These critters were not so easily harvested in those days, thus only the wealthy class wore purple. The first movement, PURPLE - THE MAJESTIC COURT, evokes images of kings, queens, knights, and castles. 

The color BLUE is represented in the second movement by, appropriately enough, the blues! Listen as band members jam out with featured solos!

PERFORMANCE NOTES

1. THE MAJESTIC COURT

The introduction is a royal fanfare. It is an interplay between two groups: 1) low winds and percussion, and 2) everyone else. The second group features a descending major scale while other students remain on the root note, as seen in the divisi clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet parts. Students should play all accents to achieve the proper majestic style. The main theme is first presented in measure 9 by the woodwinds as a regal concert march.

2. BLUE - THE COURT OF SWING

The color blue abruptly enters the scene in measure 48. Snare drums and cymbals set up the swing style, and all musicians follow suit with swing 8th notes. Anyone new to swing 8th notes should simply recall the song “If You’re Happy and You Know It (Clap Your Hands)” - that’s swing!

Look for the two-bar jazz “riffs” that can be played by a soloist or any combination of players. Be sure to stand up; these are short moments and it will be helpful for the audience to see who is featured. 

There is an improvised solo section beginning at measure 78. It can be repeated as often as necessary for multiple soloists. All wind instruments and mallets play a minor pentatonic scale immediately before the solo section starts (m76-77); these notes should be used for soloing. The written backgrounds at measure 78 should only be played when cued, although the backgrounds from measure 86-89 are to be played every time.

Saxophones may want to stand during the two short moments of “trickery” in measures 92 & 96. Instructions are included in the score and parts. There is a final restatement of the purple march theme during the swing style - can you find it? 

It’s not often you get to march and swing in the same three minutes of music. I hope you enjoy Purple and Blue!

GREEN & ORANGE

PROGRAM NOTES

GREEN AND ORANGE are the national colors of Ireland, and this piece captures the essence of traditional Irish music. ___________________  and __________________  will be featured together throughout the piece on saxophone and trumpet.

Movement 1 is “John Foley’s Voyage”. John Foley settled in New Hampton, Iowa, after emigrating from Ireland to the United States in 1851. He began as a farmer, then moved to commerce and politics, serving a term in the state senate. 

This first movement has several musical intentions. First, the pastorale quality of the music brings to mind the beautiful green landscape of Ireland. Secondly, we imagine what it felt like for immigrants to travel across the world seeking a new life. It must have been an emotional rollercoaster of adventure, excitement, trepidation, and hope. 

The ORANGE movement is the “The Wapsipinicon Reel”. A reel is a traditional Irish dance, with roots going back to 16th-century Scotland. Just as orange is a lively splash of color, reels are very lively, featuring a hard-driving pulse and hypnotic repetitions. 

PERFORMANCE NOTES

1. GREEN - John Foley’s Adventure

The eleven-measure introduction should sound grand and epic. The key here will be accents and crescendos, which are led by the percussion section. The duet of alto sax and trumpet begins at measure 12. It is recommended that they stand in front of the ensemble for the entire piece. The ensemble should follow dynamic markings closely so they don’t bury the duet. Measure 44 begins a forte section, but the duet is playing there, so please use context to interpret dynamics. 

The soloists have all section parts cued,; they are optional in performance and may will be useful in rehearsals. 

2. ORANGE - Wapsipinicon Reel

The reel begins abruptly at measure 62, although it is foreshadowed during movement 1 at measure 36. This is where “too many percussionists” can be a good thing; multiple students can play the large drum part (floor tom or hand drum) found in Percussion 2. Be sure to play only mezzo forte to start; you want to leave room for the reel to build in intensity. This is a good moment to remind you: the ensemble should not overpower the duet. 

The reel winds down with a ritardando (handled by the duet). We then return to John Foley’s theme with a rousing conclusion. 

I hope you enjoy “GREEN AND ORANGE - An Irish Adventure”!