Inspired by NASA’s Starliner, this composition offers players interesting, yet easy, melodic material and countermelodies that will let your students work on phrasing and balance while still having fun. Short percussion solos and an emphasis on developing low brass and woodwinds make this an excellent concert opener or contest selection. Duration: 1:40
Program Notes: In December of 2019, when I started working on this piece, Boeing conducted the first orbital test flight of its CST-100 Starliner capsule. This event was important because, since the retiring of the space shuttle program in 2011, NASA had no other way to deliver astronauts into orbit, except through Russia. Boeing is one of two companies working to get American astronauts into space on American capsules. This was of special interest to me, not only because I am a space enthusiast, but because my own cousin worked on the Starliner's systems.
Performance Notes: The main theme should be pleasant and legato, almost as if gliding. The second theme should be noble, as if heading where no one has gone previously. When the two themes come together, the contrast between them should not be stark as they were always intended to be played as one. Additionally, in mm. 9–26 of the Percussion 2 part, the bell of the cymbal is to be struck with a snare stick.
