#33 Suggested Repertoire from Around the World for Developing Bands

This 33rd installment of suggested repertoire is proposed and curated by Dr. Matthew Dockendorf, Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH.

Dr. Dockendorf teaches music education courses and conducting at the undergraduate and graduate level.

He is artistic director of the Bowling Green State University Wind Symphony and regularly guest conducts around the United States and has served on the faculty of the World Youth and Adult Wind Orchestra Projects in Austria.

Grade 2

Sunchaser (2017) – 5’ – Purchase at Carl Fischer

Carol Brittin Chambers (USA, 1970)

Sunchaser was commissioned by the Hal Peterson Middle School Spike Band in Kerryville, TX, directed by Susie Jaksik. The piece was premiered in May 2016.

The term “sunchaser” or “chase the sun” can have various meanings, depending on the context. For example, in aviation, if a pilot heading west files fast enough so that the sun does not move on the horizon, he is a sunchaser. The term can also mean chasing after something that’s rather unattainable, or it can refer to someone who is quite idealistic or inspirational.

I chose this title for a couple of reasons. First, I simply love the sun and the energy it provides me and all of nature. I have many vivid memories of taking long road trips in my youth. Often, my family and I would be heading west into the mountains. We always tried to leave early enough in the day so that we wouldn’t be staring too much into the sun, and we wanted to arrive at our destination before dark. I remember watching the sun as we chased it down the road, feeling like we were on a journey together.

On a deeper level, I like to think more in terms of following dreams and trying to reach lofty goals. Even though some of these goals may seem out of reach at time, the journey definitely makes us stronger and is often the best part!

The opening few measures are meant to portray the dawn of a new day, which quickly turns into a spirited adventure full of energy and life. I hope you enjoy Sunchaser!

More on Carol Brittin Chambers

Grade 3

Different Voices - A Suite in Three Movements (2002) – 9’15”

Rick Kirby (USA, 1945)

Purchase at Boosey & Hawkes

Each movement of this composition represents several of the different manners in which the human voice produces sound and becomes a vehicle of communication – therefore the title Different Voices. Except for the whispering in the second movement, the pieces does not attempt to simulate the actual sound of the human voice but rather attempts to depict the spirit by which that sound is produced.

The first movement, entitled “The Spoken – Dialogues,” portrays a dialogue between several groups represented by the different sections of the band. The second movement, “Whispers,” begins very quietly, swells to a climatic level and concludes with the peacefulness of the beginning. “Voices of Song,” the final movement, is simply a joyous celebration of the ability of the world’s oldest musical instrument, the human voice, to sing.

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Grade 4.5

On This Bright Morning (2013) – 9’00” – Purchase at Maslanka Press

David Maslanka (USA, 1947 - 2017)

There are times of stability in life, and times of significant transition. Transitions can be upsetting, often provoked or accompanied by physical or emotional troubles. They are times of uncertainty and unknowing, but also the times of greatest creative change.

“On This Bright Morning” acknowledges the struggle, and the feelings of pain and loss in times of transition but embodies the pure joy of realizing the bigger life. On this bright morning, life is new, life is possible.

The following is from a Bill Moyers interview with the poet, Jane Kenyon, who suffered chronic depression, and who died of leukemia at age 48:

“Yes, there are things in life that we must endure that are all but unendurable, and yet I feel that there is a great goodness. Why, when there could have been nothing, is there something? How, when there could have been nothing, does it happen that there is love, kindness, beauty?”

More on David Maslanka

Grade 5

En mi, Familia (2020) – 8’30” – Purchase at Murphy Music

Ivette Herryman Rodríguez (Cuba, 1982)

Premiered by Michigan State University Symphony Band

conducted by David Thorntonon in East Lansing, MI

I dedicate this piece to my immediate family: my parents, my brother, my nephews and my little niece.

In the piece, I include ideas such as my brother’s life search, which sometimes hits dead ends, but remains relentless after all; my dad’s sensitivity and although subtly, his love for dancing; and my own version of a melody of a song my mom used to sing every Sunday while doing laundry.

The title of the piece expresses that I believe, although I have become my own person, I am still very much connected to my family. Lots of my past memories and my present are filled with my family. This piece is a loving homage to them.

En mi, familia was commissioned by the Michigan State University Symphony Band and David Thornton, Associate Director of Bands.

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Grade 3.5

Big City Lights (2021) – 4'45" – Purchase at Murphy Music Press

Marie Douglas (USA, 1987)

A piece for wind band, inspired by the Hip-Hop sub-genre “Trap Music” which finds its roots in my hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. The piece includes textures, melodic, rhythmic and harmonic content that are divergent to the traditional wind band realm. When performed, the piece utilizes electronic and acoustic means.

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