Cosmic Cliffs
Curriculum Guide by Taylor Lena McTootle & Anthony R. Green
Grade: 2.5
Duration: approx. 3:30
Instrumentation
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet 1, 2
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1, 2
Horn
Trombone
Euphonium (BC and TC)
Tuba
Timpani
Bells (Wind Chimes) – 1-2 players
Xylophone (Tam-Tam, Tom-Tom, Wind Chimes) – 1 player
Vibraphone (Cymbals, Triangle, Medium Tam-Tam) – 1 player
Percussion (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals) – 2 players
Purchase includes score, parts and curriculum guide.
This work is part of the Castle of our Skins / Boston Public Schools Collection. Learn more about this exciting collection for developing ensembles here: RTMP Special Collections
Proceeds from this sale supports Castle of our Skins education programs and Rising Tide Music & Arts composer pathway projects.
Program Note
Cosmic Cliffs is a dramatic and exciting piece inspired by the Carina Nebula. Use of accessible extended techniques like breath sounds, stomps, and cluster chords make this piece not only exciting to hear but a blast for students to play. With ethereal melodies in the bells and woodwinds, driving rhythmic lines in the low brass, and spacious harmonies throughout the ensemble, this piece provides an excellent opportunity to teach and develop syncopation, intonation, phrasing, and tie in cross-curricular lessons about the life cycle of stars.
Performance Notes
In mm. 1-3, clarinets and trumpets should create a whistling wind sound by blowing air (without instrument).
In mm. 1-9, the snare drum player should perform a non-rhythmic circular brush stroke with brushes. Gesture should have no rhythm or pulse, emulating a static sound.
In mm. 5-13, two players should play the bell part.
Black square noteheads denote stomps.
Long rectangular note heads in mm. 42-43 denote cluster chords. Each player should pick any note and play it with good tone.
