Fractured

Fractured is an energetic fanfare for beginning band that explores the octatonic mode. The piece begins with an aggressive and intense full band unison motif before expanding into harmony in measures 3 and 4. Strive to make this section as heavy and dark as possible. At measure 6, the main melody and thematic motif is played in the alto saxes, tenor saxes, trumpets, and horns. The flutes, oboes, and clarinets join the melody four measures later at measure 10. This section should be driving and always pushing forward. After a brief decrescendo, the low brass and low winds play an altered version of the main motif at measure 14. Two measures later, the flutes, oboes, and clarinets take over the motif before passing it to the trumpets at measure 16. At measure 22, after a full band crescendo, the main melody returns with a countermelody in the flute and oboe parts. Keep this countermelody as smooth, melodic, and contrasting as possible. The B section of the piece begins at measure 30 as the texture is reduced down to flutes, clarinets, and percussion. Aim for smooth and melodic playing to create a strong contrast from the aggressive material in the beginning of the piece. At measure 38, the clarinets, alto saxes, tenor saxes, and horns take over the melody against a low wind bass line and flute and oboe countermelody. Make sure that each part is emphasized with equal importance. The main motif returns at measure 46 as the piece transitions back to the A section. At measure 50, the A section returns briefly before transitioning to the coda and the end of the piece. The coda begins at measure 58 with the unison full band motif from the beginning of the piece. At measure 61, full band chords are heard in the upper voices against the main motif in the lower voices. Aim for the lower voices to dominate this section. The opening motif returns one final time at measure 66 before the piece concludes. This piece was commissioned by Del Hubers for the 2021-2022 Brandon Valley Intermediate School 5th Grade Band in Brandon, South Dakota. Thank you for this opportunity to compose a piece for your students. Educational Goals of the Work -Differentiate between concert E-flat and concert E-natural -Perform using non-traditional harmonies -Track motifs throughout the piece