Passage By Night

Composer(s) / Arranger(s): Mike Schofield

Performance Time: 4:23  |  Grade: 3  |  Style: Contemporary

Passage By Night is inspired by an event that took place on September 16, 1979, involving the Strelzyk and Wetzel families and their courageous and successful attempt at crossing over from East Germany to West Germany in a home-made hot air balloon. In 1979, the Berlin Wall was still in use and such an attempt was strictly prohibited by the East German government. Passage By Night depicts the careful and sneaky approach to the construction of the balloon, the aggressive nature of the event itself, and the heroism of the two families who overcame seemingly unsurmountable obstacles.

Careful attention to dynamics and use of the exact percussion instruments listed will add dramatically to an effective performance.