This programmatic composition, inspired by the many ghost stories that have come from the mysterious occurrence of lights on Brown Mountain, North Carolina, musically tells the story of a missing 19th-century woman that is searched for every night by villagers. Using exposed instrumental lines, a developing three-note theme, and contemporary harmonic and percussive elements, this composition for mature concert bands is a great choice for contest or as a unique and different programing contrasting selection. Duration: 5:10
Program Notes: As We Search: Legend of the “Brown Mountain Lights” is inspired by the many ghost stories that have come from the mysterious occurrence of lights on Brown Mountain (Burke County, North Carolina). These mysterious phenomena appear during evenings in autumn. Many have seen the lights, but the exact cause remains a mystery.
The origin of the lights has inspired numerous legends. As We Search: Legend of the “Brown Mountain Lights” focuses on one legend from the nineteenth century. After a local woman went missing, though murder was suspected, villagers engaged in a search of the mountain. Having never been found, it is said the search continues, and ghostly echoes of the search lights can still be seen on Brown Mountain to this day.
Conductor's Notes:
The duration of the composition is five minutes at the marked tempo. Careful attention should be given to articulations, dynamic changes and phrasing throughout the work.
The entire work is based on the idea first stated by the bells in m. 12. Each time the idea is restated, stronger development occurs around it building to m. 74. Attention should be given to the dissonance that resolves in mm. 5–6, 9–10, 17–18, 21–22, 41–42, 45–46, 76–77 and 80–81.
The climax of the piece is m. 81, representing the moment the villagers think they have found the lost woman.
Measure 82 to the end continues a fading trend as if people are forgetting about the legend of the Brown Mountain Lights.
Measure 110 carrying into m. 111 is meant to be unresolved. Even though the legend has faded over time, the lights still exist “As We Search.”
