In Motion for Wind Ensemble

Description

In Motion for wind ensemble

Duration: approx. 6’30”

Wind ensemble version commissioned as a gift from graduate students to Eugene Migliaro Corporon, upon his retirement as Director of Wind Studies at the University of North Texas. Originally commissioned by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

Instrumentation:

piccolo, flute 1-2, oboe 1-2, English horn, bassoon 1-2
Eb clarinet, Bb clarinets 1-3, Bass clarinet
Alto saxophone 1-2, Tenor saxophone, Baritone saxophone

Bb trumpet 1-4, French horn 1-3, trombone 1-2, Bass trombone
euphonium 1-2, tuba (minimum 2 players)
Double bass

Timpani + up to 8 percussion
Percussion instrumentation (7 players, option for 8):
Percussion 1: xylophone, rain-stick
*Percussion 2 (2 players): marimba
*Percussion 3 (option for 2 players): glockenspiel, crotales, sus. cym., crash cymbals, triangle
Percussion 4: snare drum, tambourine, 4 toms, ratchet, ride cym., high timbale, vibra-slap, congas, sus. cym., Hi-hat (closed)
Percussion 5: wood block, sus. cym., shaker, rain-stick, bongos, snare drum, splash cym., triangle
Percussion 6: bass drum, triangle, tam-tam, tambourine

Program Notes (extracted from the original orchestral version):

In the fall of 2024, I had a glorious visit with the Pensacola Symphony and conductor Peter Rubardt as they prepared and performed my Symphony No. 2, “Voices”. What a wonderful surprise it was for me when I later received an invitation to create a new work for the orchestra’s 100th anniversary season!

A 100th anniversary is no small occasion. It means that there has been a consistency of excellence, support, and drive over a long period of time, made possible through the hard work and passion of many people, many of whom do it only for the love of music. It also means that there is pressure to continue that excellence and momentum for many more years to come, so as to live up to the standards of those that came before you.

“In Motion” is a work meant to represent that ‘hopping on a moving vehicle’ sort of effect. The music starts, and suggests a cycle of activity that has already begun, and will continue to go on; and it is simply the job of the newest person to keep it going, hopefully improve upon it, and take it to the next place. “In Motion” is also meant to present a vehicle by which the baton gets handed to the next generation. The piece is highly energetic, as an effort to capture the spirit of a 100th anniversary. It is also highly optimistic, again, as a way to recognize that 100 years is merely the beginning of the next 100 years.

Wind ensemble version:

In early 2026, I was contacted by Robert Schwartz, as a representative of graduate students of Eugene Migliaro Corporon, that it might be wonderful if we, together with UNT Director-of-Wind Studies designate, Andrew Trachsel, could present something to Eugene as a gift, marking his retirement from UNT, and showing the appreciation all share for him. I thought about what is referenced in the program notes – how “In Motion” is ‘also meant to present a vehicle by which the baton gets handed to the next generation’. Which seemed to me a perfect description of Eugene as well. His teaching, and his commitment to performing and recording music of living composers will cement his legacy, and keep his love for music “in motion” for generations to come. It is with the utmost and sincerest respect that I am honored to share this version of “In Motion” as a gift to Eugene upon the celebration of the legacy he leaves.

~ Jim Stephenson; March 2, 2026