Spin States

Commissioned by the Lewis Palmer High School Jazz Orchestra (Monument, Co.), Spin States uses the language of Bob Brookmeyer to present a motive in several different rhythmic contexts (the titles refers to the physics term describing how an elemental particle can change its characteristics depending on its surroundings).The ensemble presents two contrapuntal lines that interact over a medium fast swing groove in the drums (brushes). The piece evolves through a 'broken two' feel, a funk-oriented New Orleans second-line feel, metric modulation into an Afro-Cuban groove, and a shuffle. A brief written trombone solo (over guitar voicings that require a good player) gives way to modal blowing in the first tenor sax; lead trumpet needs only one sustained high F. The piano part has an optional move to synth organ patch. SATB, 5 trumpets, 5 trombones, piano, guitar, bass, drums. Medium difficult.