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Download a PDF file of the full score of this composition. Parts are available upon request: music@gwynethwalker.com.
Commissioned by the New Canaan, CT Public Schools for the Saxe 6th Grade Band, Janet Rosen, Director
Ready to Swing! is the culmination of a yearlong collaboration between the Saxe Middle School 6th Grade Band and local (New Canaan, CT) composer, Dr. Gwyneth Walker (herself a member of the Saxe Band in 1960!). Mrs. Rosen wanted her students to meet and collaborate with a living composer and learn how composers get ideas and inspiration for their works. The students also wanted to contribute some of their own ideas for a piece that would be fun and exciting for them to play.
In preparation for composing this new work, Dr. Walker visited with the band, attending several of their concerts, and spending time in the classroom as well. This interaction allowed the composer to get a sense of the skills of the players (they are good!) and their favorite sorts of music (they like something to happen in the piece!).
The audience will notice three special performance skills of this band: 1. there are many percussionists (who play with enthusiasm!), 2. the instrumentalists do not mind adding choreography to their playing, and 3. the conductor is not shy about verbally encouraging the audience or players. So - get Ready to Swing!
Notes by the composer