Set Free to go Home was composed in the fall of 2019. It was commissioned by Dr. Kristen Tjornehoj, Conductor of the University of Wisconsin at River Falls Symphony Band in remembrance of Kaye Bird, who passed away in 2016 as a resident of River Falls and a member of the community for several years. Kaye Bird was also a resident of Indiana, PA for 37 years and was a well respected teacher in the public schools there. Set Free to go Home was premiered by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Symphony Band at Fisher Auditorium on February 6, 2020, conducted by Dr. Jason Worzbyt. It is a grade 3 band piece with a duration of five minutes. It is published by Musica Nova USA and available on sheetmusicplus.com and jwpepper.com. Performance Notes: Set Free to go Home was composed with flexible instrumentation in mind. There are several instruments listed in the score that would enhance the piece (such as harp, oboes, double bass, etc.) but are not necessary to convey a successful performance. For example, if there are not five percussionists available, the piece may be played by less performers with the use of a drum kit, with one person playing two or more parts. This composition can sound very good whether there are fifteen players or a band with one hundred players. Instrumentation is Piccolo (Optional), 2 Flutes. 2 Oboes (Optional), 2 Bassoons (Optional), 3 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone (Optional), 3 Trumpets, 4 Horns (Optional), 3 Trombones, Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (3 – 5 players – bass drum, triangle, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, chimes, orchestra bells, vibraphone) Double bass
Premiere
6-Feb-20 by Indiana University of Pennsylvania Concert Band Jason Worzbyt, Conductor
Commissioned by
Dr. Kristin Tjornehoj, University of Wisconsin River Falls
Awards
the American Prize 2022 Band Music Composition Semi Finalist