Windrider

Composer(s) / Arranger(s): Shaun Salem

Performance Time: 5:03  |  Grade: 3 1/2  |  Style: Contemporary

"Windrider is an adventurous piece for symphonic band. The style of the piece is intentionally cinematic and recognizable, written to be entertaining and crowd-pleasing while still delivering a satisfying performance experience with quality thematic development from beginning to end. It is important that the motif presented in the French Horn (m. 3) is a prominent feature of the piece as it reappears throughout the work until its altered presentation in the final measures of the piece. 

Rehearsal time may need to be dedicated to blending and balancing the clustered sonorities occurring in the Sax and Horn (m. 35), the upper woodwinds (m. 39), the aggressive trill section (begins in m. 60), during the English Horn Solo, and at the return to Tempo Primo (m. 105). The 10/8 measure is intended to be conducted in 4 beats, two short beats followed by two long beats, but should not be treated as a 4/4 measure with a Ritardando. Finally, do not underestimate the impact of the percussion section in the measures leading up to m. 103."