Variations on a Theme in D Flat
Concert Band - Digital Sheet Music

Concert Band - Level 2 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1335323

Composed by Kendra Brown. 21st Century. 26 pages. Kendra Brown #921147. Published by Kendra Brown (A0.1335323).

The main theme is inspired by the introduction of the piece. Delicate and child-like. The ostinato in the beginning of the piece that double reeds have displays the feeling of a “child-like” waltz. The pattern is in 3 but it should be played as if it is in 6/8, with emphasis on beats 1 and 3. There should be weight to the sound but it should not be heavy. Sometimes in life, (as both teens and adults) we tend to get caught up in stress or worries and we forget to take a break, relax and destress a little. This piece reminds us to go back to our childlike roots. As the theme in Section A expands, it takes a turn in Section B where the tempo picks up. (Players are encouraged to have as much fun as they can with this part.) At and after the exposed bassoon part at m.50, in the words of my old high school band director, “Let it rip potato chip!” (Meaning give it all you’ve got and have fun). Brass are encouraged to play the dynamics as written in this section but listen to each other. Section C is a bridge to the 7/8 in Section D. Section D, reintroduces the theme in the form of a trumpet solo while brass and some of the woodwinds have the ostinato. Be careful euphonium & tuba because you’re missing a beat on purpose! Section E is the “Medley” of all the parts that were previously played with only tuba playing in the relative minor so it sticks out at the bottom of the ensemble. This is symbolic of the piece itself, showing that the pressures of life can be overcome by keeping a good attitude and persevering through those tough times that you encounter. Section F is another “bridge” beginning with the flute solo reiterating the theme one last time before the “descent and climb” (starting at m.137) to the final destination: Section G. Section G should be played like an overture. Full and with joy and a “coming alive-ness” to it therefore bringing life to the once dead emotions that once were. The ending with the oboe/bassoon duet should be played as quietly as possible & as in tune as possible.