The Double Blues
Wind Ensemble 3’30” 2022
Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1 & 2
Oboe 1 & 2
Bassoon 1 & 2
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1 - 3
Bass Clarinet
Soprano Saxophone
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bb Soprano Cornet
Bb Trumpet 1 & 2
Bb Cornet 1 & 2
Horn in F 1-4
Trombone 1 & 2
Bass Trombone
Flugelhorn
Euphonium
Tuba 1 & 2
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion 1-4
Commissioned by Unley Concert Band
Program Notes
Unley Concert Band has long been active in its local community as a marching band - something which has set it apart from many of its concert band peers in South Australia - regularly marching at ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies, as well as numerous Christmas Pageants, community events, and (on one occasion) in a motion picture. So, to me it seemed fitting that at its silver jubilee, the band should receive a march of its own.
In composing this piece, I looked to one of the most prolific composers of military marches: John Philip Sousa. While this march draws much of its inspiration from Sousa's many works, I wanted to make sure that it was, first and foremost, a celebration of Unley Concert Band, its history, and that of the City of Unley.
Hidden throughout the melodic lines and rhythmic patterns of this piece are references to (among other things) the year of the band's inception; the 25th anniversary; the City of Unley's postcode; the 16 suburbs that make up the City of Unley; and various other details - all of which helped to instruct me throughout the composition process, producing a work which is the direct result of the combined histories that lead to its creation.
Of special note, is the Trio section of the march, which serves a dual purpose: firstly, to pay tribute the many Unley residents who have served their country both at home and overseas in the armed forces, and secondly, to remember those members of the band who have passed on.
I joined Unley Concert Band in 2010, and very quickly, I came to cherish the opportunity to spend time doing what I love with a group of (largely hobbyist) musicians brought together by the shared ambition of making the best music they can together. The Double Blues is undoubtedly a celebration of Unley Concert Band's 25th birthday- but more than that, it is my love letter to the band that has had an immeasurable impact on my life, and the lives of many others.
It's been said many times in the Unley Town Hall, on a Wednesday evening, that when a group of forty-odd people come together with that shared ambition, the result is something greater than the sum of its parts. That is the magic of Unley Concert Band, the wider banding community, and music performance in general, which I hope to have captured in some small part within this piece.
Performance Notes
At the discretion of the music director, the piece may begin at bar 13.
The tempo indication of 120bpm was chosen to correspond with the marches of Sousa, however performers may observe local tempos for a standard military quick march if they prefer.
The repeated section in measures 17-33 should be observed only the first time through.
If the performing band has a Drum Major appointed, they should perform the Drum Major call in measures 2-9 (located in the Percussion 1 part.)
The Percussionist playing Percussion 4 should position the Tubular Bells close enough to the Suspended Cymbal that they can keep the pedal down as indicated in measures 102 - 107. If no tubular bells are available, Vibraphone may be used in their place.
World Premiere:
Unley Concert Band
Conducted by the composer
Saturday 15 October 2022