Pedal to the Metal

Pedal to the Metal is an English phrase meaning “hurry up” (as in the analogy of pressing the car accelerator to the metal floor). The phrase also means working diligently and efficiently to get something important done. It is the latter meaning that inspired this work. However, “metal” has significant importance since metallic instruments (hanging metal plates and the brake drum) play a prominent role in the orchestration.

Program Notes

Pedal to the Metal is an English phrase meaning “hurry up” (as in the analogy of pressing the car accelerator to the metal floor). The phrase also means working diligently and efficiently to get something important done. It is the latter meaning that inspired this work. However, “metal” has significant importance since metallic instruments (hanging metal plates and the brake drum) play a prominent role in the orchestration. The progression of the piece is all about starting with a small idea that is elaborated upon until it becomes the all-important “finished product.” All of this happening within the energetic atmosphere of a fast tempo in 6/8 meter. The piece begins with a full percussion palette and the prominent sound of the brake drum. A fragmentary theme in G-minor is heard in the beginning of the piece.

The theme is simply repeated, and following two repetitions of a descending and sustained D-Phrygian scale, the flutes and clarinets elaborate on the theme against a long sustained chorale-like motive in the brass.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2018
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 2:45
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

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

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

Timpani (3 drums)
Percussion 1: Xylophone
Percussion 2: Brake Drum, Ratchet
Percussion 3: Slapstick, Bells, Crash Cymbals
Percussion 4: Hi-Hat, Snare Drum, 2 Hanging Metal Plates
Percussion 5: 4 Tom-Toms
Percussion 6: Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Suspended Cymbal