Suite on the High Seas

Suite on the High Seas (2022) is a three-movement band piece that tells the story of a ship. Each movement is based on a different type of scale/mode. In the first movement, the ship comes upon a sudden storm after an eerie French horn duet. This theme is present throughout the entire piece. Although there are some less severe stages of the storm, the constant bassline and repeating melody from the horn duet throughout portrays the ever-present threat. These different stages are divided by different themes/melodies. The major-sounding sections can be interpreted as the eye of the storm or a brief break. At the end of the movement, the band builds and rushes to the final "lightning strike" that hits the ship. Another duet (this time between the euphonium and tuba) begins the second movement. The dorian-mode melody mourns the loss of crew members and supplies as the ship finally reaches clear skies. This melody is played in varying textures until the saxophones and brass sections "find land" and play a smooth, yet still tense, melody. This builds into the end of the movement as the whole band joins in the joy of salvation. The second movement directly leads into the third movement. This movement begins with a loud major chord which quickly dissipates into a snare drum solo. The saxophone section joins the snare rhythm which creates the ostinato for the piece. A clarinet solo introduces the quick, upbeat melody, and the woodwinds immediately take over. This is the happiness that the crew members feel when they finally reach land. Shortly after a percussion soli, the key changes, and the trumpets introduce a new theme. This is the preparation for a new adventure aboard the ship. The B section grows, and the entire ensemble joins in. Finally, the key changes, and the original upbeat melody returns for the whole band (embarking on a new journey). It is augmented and grows into a quick ending that is similar to the first movement's conclusion.