Avalanche!

Avalanche! is a theater-style piece that draws upon sight and hearing. Percussion plays a prominent role in Avalanche and will require 8 players to cover all the parts. Percussion is used to create surround-sound effects, with two percussionists performing from the back of the auditorium for the entire piece. At the beginning of the work, four percussionists travel from the back of the auditorium to the stage playing one crotale: Eb, F, Bb, or G. before playing their own setups. At the end of the piece, they travel from the stage to the back of the auditorium, playing the same crotales. In addition, lighting effects, including blackouts, flashing colored lights, and a mirror ball, are used to create scenes for the audience. Avalanche uses the hymn "In the Bleak Midwinter" to tell a story of community, dedication, danger, suffering, and triumph in conquering the elements of the mountains. The seven continuous movements will take the listener on a thrilling journey through the dangerous mountains. The movements are: I. A Setting and a Snow Storm, II. Climbers Song, III. Where the Peeks Scrape the Sky, IV. Dispersion! V. Avalanche, VI Aftermath, Reflections and Survival, VII Epilogue. This mature work, but still assessable for good high school bands, is sure to get a powerful reaction from your audience. A description of percussion needs and a setup chart are provided for percussionists. A lighting score is also included.