The Secret Lake

This piece was composed during my last semester at Tarleton State University, where I studied with Dr. Trevor James-Smith. The whole idea behind the piece was for it to be based off a painting in the art hallway at the university. I. The Walk to the Take in the View: The first movement of this piece is to depict the mystery and anticipation of walking up to the lake. You hear the same chorale in twice, one in a minor and one in a major key. The chorale, the second time, leads into the climax of the piece wher the listener has reached the lake and is taking in the view. The movemnet ends trimphantly as the listener starts walking down the path that's supposedly around the lake. II. The Lake: The second movement is taking the listener on a Hoe-Downn while they're next to the lake. The main melody that is the glue is first stated by a solo tuba, while accompanied the feet stomping and clapping by the other players. It then is a couple variations, whihc then turns into the climax of the piece. Afterwards, the beginning is repeated, but a little different. Everyone gets a chance to play the melody, but in harmony (Stacked chords/parallel motion). The piece then ends on a playful note, because not evreything in life needs to be serious and you can just need to take in the view.