PROGRAM NOTE

This piece has been on quite a journey since its inception. The work was originally the last movement of “Get into the NOW”, a string quartet commissioned by the Grammy-nominated PUBLIQuartet in 2017. The first large ensemble version was for the Nu Deco Ensemble (a Rock Orchestra in Miami), followed by a full orchestra version that toured nationally for Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program. However, my inner band-geek self is the most excited about this version – which I feel unleashes all the sonic power I ever wanted this music to have.

In “Go BIG or Go HOME”, you will find hints of funk, bluegrass, and Latin while driven by groove, virtuosity, and moments of improvisation allowing members of the group to put their own personal signature on the piece. Most importantly, it is written from a place of self-realization, empowerment, and celebration of how joyous life can be.

INSTRUMENT LIST

Piccolo
Flute 1, 2
Oboe 1,2
E-flat Clarinet
Clarinet in B-flat 1, 2, 3
Bass Clarinet 1, 2
Bassoon 1, 2

Soprano Sax
Soprano/Alto Sax (alternating)
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax

Horn in F 1, 2, 3, 4
Trumpet in B-flat 1, 2, 3
Trombone 1, 2
Bass Trombone 1, 2
Euphonium **OPTIONAL**
Tuba

Timpani (5, but could do with 4)
Percussion 1 (Drum Kit)
Percussion 2 (Congas, Bongos, Glock., Tam-tam, Bass Drum)
Percussion 3 (Marimba, Cowbell)
Percussion 4 (Shaker or Shekere, Pair of Drum Sticks, Congas and Bongos *shared with Perc. 2*, and any other small percussion desired)

Piano (mic’d if using other electric instruments)

Electric Guitar (with individual amp) **OPTIONAL, but strongly encouraged**
Electric Bass (with individual amp)
Synth Keyboard (with individual amp) **OPTIONAL**

CONSORTIUM PARTICIPANTS

Tim Robblee, Shenandoah University (co-ordinator)
Jerry Junkin, Butler School of Music at the University of Texas at Austin
Bobby Francis, Texas Christian University
Rick Good, Auburn University
Michael Hancock, University of Central Arkansas
Jon Caldwell, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
David Kish, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Jake Wallace, South Dakota State University
Mark Spede, Clemson University Jared Cassidy,
Lexington High School (MA) Rickey Badua, Cal Poly Pomona
Robert Ambrose, Georgia State University
Paula Holcomb, SUNY Fredonia
Scott Lubaroff, University of Central Florida
Scott Tobias, West Virgina University