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Work

Beyond the break : concert band : for juvenile performer(s)

by Karlin Greenstreet Love (2010)

Work Overview

Beyond the Break was commissioned by Scotch Oakburn College Junior School, Launceston Tas. It incorporates technique exercises for each instrument within an extended soundscape. Most of the unusual sounds and effects have developmental value. Others, like bowing the glockenspiel are simply too cool to omit. The piece is in three sections reflecting a beach experience:
1. Floating on the swell (out beyond where the waves break) 2. A dark shadow passes over the sea floor (a scary moment when imagination goes into overdrive) and 3. Whew! It was only my brother (relief and return to relaxation). It concludes with a free-time soundscape: memories and impressions of real and imagined experiences, drifting through an almost asleep mind, perhaps on the ride home.
Rather than 1st and 2nd parts for instruments which an ensemble is likely to have several players, Beyond the Break has 'Essential' parts (necessary for the structure and harmony) and 'Tricky' parts (not necessary, but with more challenges), recognising that most bands have players with a range of experience and ambition.
The piece is flexibly scored, in that while few instruments cover the same part, many combinations will work. Thus each ensemble combination will cover different parts. Texturally, then, it is somewhat more complex than comparably graded repertoire.

Work Details

Year: 2010

Instrumentation: Flutes, oboe, clarinets, bass clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophones, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpets, horns, trombones, euphonium (bass or treble clef), tuba, percussion (4 parts).

Duration: 5 min.

Difficulty: Easy

Contents note: 1. Floating on the swell -- 2. A dark shadow passes over the sea floor -- 3. Whew! It was only my brother.

Commission note: Commissioned by Scotch Oakburn College Junior School, Launceston, Tasmania

First performance: May 10. Princess Theatre, Launceston,Tasmania

The composer notes: A set of warm-up exercises is included to develop skills and awareness for the less conventional material. I also recommend using the section from letter I as a warm-up, taking time to explore different durations, order of numbers, and trying new player-generated sounds. That will also give more players a chance to participate in the free, soundscape texture than might suit a performance situation. Recordings of an earlier version of Beyond the Break and warm-up exercises, performed by the Hobart Wind Symphony, Simon Reade, conductor, can be found at https://soundcloud.com/karlinlove/sets/beyond-the-break. Some parts have been changed since the recording, but the essence of the piece is the same.

Revised in 2016 for Tasmanian State Band Championships (Junior C Grade test piece)

Performances of this work

May 10: Princess Theatre, Launceston,Tasmania

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