Nature Scenes

Nature Scenes is a series of short pieces written for solo trumpet and percussion ensemble. Each miniature tells part of a story about someone’s camping or hiking trip. The story begins with the character walking through a forest, and after a series of adventures (and some misadventures), they eventually end up making a hasty escape as a dangerous storm approaches.

The trumpet uses a series of mutes throughout to help change to tone of the piece, and thus the story. The percussionists switch between wooden instruments to give a more natural sound to metal instruments, which aid in the musical elements. Elements used range from free atonality and non-standard modes, to atypical playing techniques and uncommon timbral combinations. This work is an experience unlike any other!

Duration: ~12-14 minutes

Instrumentation:

Trumpet (straight, cup, and harmon mutes required)

Percussion I: Suspended Cymbal, Cabasa, Mark Tree, Bass Drum

Percussion II: Wood Block, Rainstick, Tambourine

Percussion III: Marimba, Crotales, Vibraphone

Percussion IV: Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone*

*Percussions III and IV do not use the vibraphone at the same time. One instrument can be used for both parts.

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