Aspirations

SKU: CF.PAS19

ISBN 9781491146347. UPC: 680160903849. 9 x 12 inches. Key: D major.

Aspirations is written for the most beginning musicians. It uses minimal material, including no more than two repeated eighth notes as the most difficult rhythm. It contains bold fanfare gestures, marcato main melodic material, and a contrasting legato theme. Every section of the ensemble is featured in this sophisticated piece.
Aspirations is written for the youngest and least experiences musicians, who have only had a short time on their instruments. This piece uses minimal material, including no more than two repeated eighth notes as the most difficult rhythm. When I composepieces for young people, I often try to pick titles that will be uplifting and inspiring. Certainly, we want our young musicians to aspire to great things through music.The pieces opens with a fanfare type of musical gesture. This material is the glue that holds the piece together. It should be played marcato throughout. The main melody then follows, first sparse and then with the full ensemble. A bridge section is presented that is legato that leads to a return of the main melody. Some development then begins with fragments of the melody taken by the lower strings followed by interjections by the upper strings on the opening fanfare material. After this development, the piece builds to one final full statement of the main melody and then a short coda based on the fanfare material to bookend the piece.As with all of my pieces for young students, I encourage you to adjust the tempo to fit this needs of your students. My tempo is only a recommendation and you should chose a tempo that best works for your students.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.—Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2017.