Swarm – Full Score

Description

The swarm is here! Creepy crawlies with wings blot the sky in this exciting and sound-effect-filled work for the youngest of ensembles. Using only the first six notes of the D scale and covering a wide variety of musical concepts and articulations, this fun and engaging piece takes you directly to the hive.

Program Notes

“Swarm” was commissioned by Jeff Davis Elementary School in Hazlehurst, GA – 2023. When I started contemplating the type of piece to write for this group, a few things came to mind. The first—and most important—was their mascot, the Yellow Jackets. I have had a few run-ins with these devilish creatures in my time on this planet, none of them pleasant, so I endeavored to write a work that showcased their strength and determination (albeit, in my experience, their determination was often aimed at myself!).

That determination and vigor is something I feel all young musicians have in common. The vociferous nature of the beginning players is inspirational, to say the least, and I wanted to write something that would speak to that—be fun to play—and invigorate them as they master their instruments and continue to hone their craft as a full ensemble working together. What better example of this than an insect swarm? One seemingly connected group working towards a singular goal. I thought it was a more than fitting idea for a piece!