concerto for flute and winds
duration c’ 20
Precious Metal: A Concerto for Flute and Winds is based on the three metals of which the flute is made. Each metal is a descriptive title that influenced the construction and materials of each movement of the work. In the first movement, Silver Strettos, the flute begins with a simple melody that infiltrates the wind ensemble. Over the course of the movement, the flute acts as a catalyst for call and response with the ensemble as well as initiating quick canonic motives. When thinking about silver, I was inspired to write bright and pristine melodic material and orchestration. Platinum Sheen alternates between flute “airs” and sustained ensemble chords that start very long but change at an ever-increasing rate. An instrumental consort comprised of clarinet, bassoon, harp, piano, and percussion often accompanies the soloist in this movement. Platinum does not have the glimmer of silver, so the orchestration in this movement is not as flashy as in the first movement, but as with platinum, the orchestration is strong and durable – using the low instruments of the ensemble for a strong foundation. Gold Rush begins with a solo flute motive based on material from the first movement but now in a minor key. The ensemble interrupts with a pulsating crescendo that leads to a virtuosic flute cadenza. The middle section of this movement features a long accelerando with a soaring flute melody that ultimately leads to a musical accompaniment to a westward bound journey into the sunset, a search for gold and riches.
This work is dedicated to flutist Donna Shin and maestro Tim Salzman, both of whom were marvelous collaborators throughout the compositional process. Precious Metal was commissioned by over thirty wind ensemble conductors and professors of flute organized by Professors Salzman and Shin.
Commissioning Consortium Members
Organized by the University of Washington
Timothy Salzman – Director of Bands, Donna Shin – Professor of Flute
Angelo State University – Constance Kelley, Assistant Professor of Music-Flute
Ball State University – Thomas Caneva, Director of Bands; Dr. Mihoko Watanabe, Flute
Baylor University – J. Eric Wilson, Director of Bands
Coastal Carolina University Bands, Conway, SC – Dr. James L. Tully, Director of Bands
Cooper High School-Abilene, TX, Karla Ordóñez, DMA
Cornell University – Cynthia Johnston Turner, Director of Wind Ensembles
Drury University Wind Symphony – Christopher Koch
Grand Valley State University – Barry Martin, Director of Bands; Sean Owen, Flute Professor
Illinois State University Wind Symphony – Stephen K. Steele, director; Kimberly Risinger, flute
Indiana University of PA Wind Ensemble & Dr. Therese Wacker, flautist.
Middle Tennessee State University – Dr. Reed Thomas, Wind Ensemble Conductor, Dr. Deanna Little, Flute Professor
Oklahoma State University – Joseph Missal, Director of Bands & Conor Nelson, Professor of Flute
Oregon State University Wind Ensemble – Dr. Christopher C. Chapman, conductor
Robert E. Lee High School Band of Tyler, Texas – Robert Castillo, director, Caroline Hand flute
Tennessee Tech University – Joseph W. Hermann, Director
The Ridgewood Concert Band – Chris Wilhjelm director
Timpview High School Symphonic Band of Provo, Utah – Dr. David C. Fullmer, conductor
West Point Band – Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan
University of Arizona Wind Ensemble – Gregg I. Hanson, Conductor
University of Arkansas – W. Dale Warren, Director of Bands
University of Florida – John M. Watkins, Jr., Associate Director of Bands and Dr. Kristen Stoner, Flute
University of Houston – David Bertram, Director of Bands
University of Illinois Bands – Robert W. Rumbelow, conductor
University of Iowa – Richard Mark Heidel, Director of Bands
University of Kentucky – Dr. Cody Birwell, Director of Bands
University of Montana, James Smart – Director of Bands, Margaret Schuberg, Professor of Flute
University of Oklahoma – Dr. William K. Wakefield, Director of Bands
University of South Florida – Dr. John C. Carmichael, Director of Bands, for Dr. Kim McCormick
University of Wisconsin-Madison – Scott Teeple, Director of Wind Ensemble; Stephanie Jutt, Professor of Flute
Utah State University, Nicholas Morrison, director
West Salem High School – Todd R. Zimbelman
Yale University – Thomas Duffy, director
Youngstown State University Wind Ensemble – Stephen L. Gage, Conductor; Kathryn Thomas Umble, Flute