Excursions is a feature for brass quintet, much like the concerto grosso style of the Baroque period, but with more modern thematic music. The first theme, “traveling”, is presented first in the trumpet. The second theme is a slow cantabile melody that is presented first by the trumpet and then the entire group. The third theme is a jazz ballad that features the trombone. The fourth theme is a fanfare that features the horn, with a dramatic effect having the horn call from the audience. After this the entire brass section is featured with the percussion. The fifth theme is a funk-rock theme featuring the solo tuba. After this, all five themes are presented at the same time in counterpoint. The band version has been performed over one hundred times all over the world by different quintets and concert bands. The instrumentation is: 3 Trumpets, Flugelhorn, 4 Horns in F, 3 Trombones, Euphonium (optional), Tuba, 2 Solo Trumpets, Solo Horn, Solo Trombone, Solo Tuba, Timpani (optional) Drum Set, Mallets (optional) (Xylophone, Chimes, Suspended Cymbal or Gong
Commissioned by
Spanish Brass
Awards
the American Prize 2017 Band Music Composition Semi Finalist