Description
Wildcat Run, for concert band
Commissioned by the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, for the 100th anniversary of the University of Kentucky. Cody Birdwell, Director.
instrumentation: piccolo, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, 3 Bb clarinets, 2 bass clarinets, contrabass clarinet, saxophones: soprano, 2 altos, tenor, baritone, 3 Bb trumpets, 4 french horns, 2 trombones, bass trombone, 2 euphoniums, 2 tubas, timpani, harp, piano, double bass, percussion:
perc 1: glockenspiel, crotales, xylophone
perc 2: vibraphone, triangle, cymb. a2, china cymbal, wind chimes, glockenspiel
perc 3: tambourine, triangle, wood block, sus. cymbal, cymb. a2
perc 4: snare drum
perc 5: bass drum, triangle
perc 6: tam-tam, wood block, slap-sticks, chimes
The music:
During a visit with Cody (John) Birdwell, director of bands at the University of Kentucky, he made the “mistake” of mentioning to me that they hadn’t yet decided upon an exciting opener/closer for their Carnegie Hall trip to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary. During my drive away from campus, I decided to give him a call, mentioning that if he wanted to discuss something new, I’d be interested. Several months later, it was decided, and”Wildcat Run” (my title) was launched.
As directed, Wildcat Run is designed to be nothing but solid fun for 6 minutes. I tried to highlight every section of the group, based on my recollections of the visit I had with them several months prior. Additionally, hints of “My Old Kentucky Home” are present – especially for the discerning ear – as a nod to those responsible for the commission, and for those who will be celebrating the University of Kentucky’s 100 year “run” at such an important event.
My sincerest thanks to Cody, for engaging me in such a fun collaboration, and to those in the consortium(listed below) for supporting this new work for concert bands.
Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas – Daniel Belongia
Augustana College Rock Island, Illinois – James Lambrecht
Eastman Wind Ensemble Rochester, New York – Mark Scatterday
Florida State University Tallahassee, Florida – Patrick Dunnigan and Richard Clary
Gustavas Adolphus College Saint Peter, Minnesota – James Patrick Miller
Illinois State University Normal, Illinois – Anthony Marinello
Lockport Township High School Lockport, Illinios – Brian Covey
Port Washington UFSD Port Washington, New York – Kevin Scully
Texas A&M University College Station, Texas – Tim Rhea
Texas A&M University – Commerce, Commerce, Texas – Phil Clements
Texas Christian University Fort Worth, Texas – Bobby Francis
University of Kentucky Alumni Band Association Lexington, Kentucky
University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee – Albert Nguyen
University of Tennessee Knoxville, Tennessee – Don Ryder
Wheaton Municipal Band Wheaton, Illinois – Bruce Moss
Jim Stephenson; March 19, 2019
