Concert Band Grade: 4

Commissioned by the Oshkosh (nickname “Sawdust City”) Area Community Band for their 25th anniversary, Sawdust City Celebration presents varied and creative settings of early American folk tunes commonly heard during Wisconsin’s pioneer days. With styles ranging from dramatic and powerful to lighthearted and lyrical, this is a rich-sounding and impressive work for the concert stage. Dur: 5:50

The opening of this unique and masterful work for band places the wind players out in the audience as the listeners are surrounded by the effect of a swirling dance of celestial lights and sounds. Onstage, the percussion section introduces a driving ostinato pattern later picked up by the entire ensemble. A delicate and beautiful middle section almost suspends time as soloists provide a bluesy interaction with the rich background texture and each other. The frantic pace returns leading to a stunning chorale played by the winds while the percussion continues simultaneously at a separate tempo! A creative and magical addition to the repertoire! Dur: c. 9:30