Comets in Winter Sky

Comets in Winter Sky is a contemporary work that explores unusual harmonic textures and interesting colors, not usually associated with young band music. This is an excellent introduction to modern music for bands of this level. Highlights include interesting, important, yet playable percussion parts, limited ranges, and special effects.

Program Notes

Comets in Winter Sky was commissioned by the Grand Ledge Concert Band, Michael Kaufman Conductor. The title depicts my experience one winter when I went to northern Michigan to visit my two children at the Interlochen Arts Academy. Late on a cold, calm, and moon-bright night, I visited our cabin on the lake where we live in the summer. In the cold stillness I witnessed a meteor shower that light up the sky. I decided to write a piece about the spirit of my children and their love for art and life which seems to light the sky whenever I see them. Their energy is like comets in a winter sky.

- Daniel McCarthy

Grade Level: 2
Copyright: 2000
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 4:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1/2
Euphonium (T.C. Baritone)
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1 (snare drum, chimes)
Percussion 2 (bass drum, maracas, vibraphone, wind chimes, xylophone)
Percussion 3 (bells, bass drum, suspended cymbal, tam-tam)