Theme and Variations

This "Theme and Variations" for band is meant to be both educational and fun. It highlights several traditional band-unique instruments and sections, while focusing on common band music styles. Band members and audiences can be invited to "follow the theme" as it morphs among the piece's six movements. The Theme is a very traditional chorale, starting in the brass, then adding woodwinds before climaxing with everyone playing. The first variation is a typical march. Its first strain is the main Theme, but now in major key and 6/8 time. The second strain echoes the chromaticism in the second part of the Theme. The second variation, "Lament", romanticizes the Theme, extending it downward chromatically. The third variation, "Groove", is a smooth jazz interpretation of the Theme, including optional improvised solos for cornet (or trumpet), alto sax, and trombone. Written-out solos are provided for soloists not wishing to improvise. The fourth variation, "Caprice", take a light-hearted look at the Theme, this time inverted and eventually layered with several contrapuntal lines. The last variation, "Finale: Fugue" is reminiscent of J. S. Bach's preludes and fugues. In the fugue, find the Theme right-side up, upside-down, overlapped, double speed, and half speed, all before concluding in a grand, majestic final major chord.