Robert Hutchinson

Beyond The Dark Horizon

Commissioned by the Champlain Valley Union High School Symphonic Band in Vermont, this 7-minute piece is fast-paced and dramatic. The first section is fully scored, uses extended jazz harmonies, and has a driving ostinato. The second section provides contrast with more straightforward diatonic harmonies and has a trumpet solo. The slow, mysterious middle section has an optional flugelhorn part for trumpet 1, and calls for optional harmon mutes for trumpets 2-4. The earlier two sections return and the piece closes with a celebratory ending. Scored for 3 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 3 clarinets, B-flat contra bass clarinet (optional), 2 alto saxes, tenor sax, baritone sax, 4 trumpets, 4 horns, 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, double bass (optional), timpani, and four percussion parts covering marimba, xylophone, vibraphone, glockenspiel, mark tree, triangle, suspended cymbal, cymbals, woodblock, snare drum, bass drum, afuch (or cabasa, and egg shaker.