in Exuberant Celebration (2007)

Grade 4.5 • 4:00 • published by LudwigMasters Publications

Performance: The Ohio State University Wind Symphony | Conductor: Dr. Russell Mikkelson

PROGRAM NOTES

Throughout our human experience, we occasionally pause to commemorate the lives of people whom have reached significant biological milestones.  Such is the case with Dr. Donald McGinnis, Director of Bands Emeritus who was honored with a special 90th birthday celebration by The Ohio State University School of Music.   At the request of the School of Music, composer Roger Cichy, an Ohio State University graduate, has created a short work written and dedicated to Don McGinnis for the OSU Wind Symphony titled In Exuberant Celebration as part of Don’s 90th birthday celebration.   

In Exuberant Celebration is based on the 3-note motive, A, F and Bb, the same musical pitches Donald McGinnis used in a composition of his titled Symphony for Band.  Cichy remember playing Don’s work in high school (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) and can still remember how McGinnis used long tones of the three pitches before launching into the movement.  In in Exuberant Celebration, Cichy expanded the motive by adding both C and Eb, which crops up in the opening fanfare, therefore establishing a mixolydian tone to the piece.  Additionally, since Don McGinnis was celebrating his 90th birthday, Cichy wrote the piece with 100 measures as an omen of good fortune for Don to reach his next biological milestone of 100.

INSTRUMENTATION

Winds: Piccolo, Flute 1 & 2, Oboe 1 & 2, Bassoon 1 & 2, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 - 4, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, suspended cymbal), Percussion 2 (suspended cymbal, tam tam, concert toms, whip, crash cymbals, tambourine, temple blocks, woodblock, bar chimes), Percussion 3 (chimes, orchestra bells, xylophone)

Strings: String Bass