KATAHJ COPLEY MUSIC
ASTRA KATAHJ COPLEY
PROJECT#
NOTES
Astra is a fanfare for wind band that explores the concept of freedom and adventure through the lens of star trail photography Star trails are created by using long exposure times to capture the apparent motion of stars in the night sky due to Earth's rotation, resulting in streaks of light that form arcs across the image Astra captures the energy and wonder of this natural phenomenon through its vibrant melodies, driving rhythms, and colorful textures
The piece is divided into three sections, with the middle section featuring a soaring trumpet and tenor saxophone melody that evokes the majesty of the stars The final section is characterized by intricate percussion ostinatos that build in intensity, representing the constant motion and evolution of the universe
Astra is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of the cosmos, and an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration With its dynamic rhythms, soaring melodies, and intricate textures, it invites listeners to join in the adventure and explore the infinite possibilities of the night sky
INSTRUMENTATION FOR WIND BAND
WOODWINDS
Flute 1 & 2
Oboe
B♭Clarinet 1 - 3
B♭Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
AATB Saxophone
BRASS
B♭trumpet 1 - 3
Horn In F 1 - 4
Trombone 1 & 2
Bass Trombone
Tuba
WIND BAND GRADE: 45 YEAR: 2023
LENGTH: 8:00
PERCUSSION
Timpani Whip (Percussion, Suspended Cymbals, Triangle, Suspended Cymbals) 1 Snare Drum (Triangle, Snare Drum, Triangle, Snare Drum, Tam-tam) 2. Wood Block (Bongos) 3 Glockenspiel4. Bass Drum 5. Vibraphone (Marimba, Marimba, Crotales, Marimba, Tom-toms)
6
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2
Oboe 1, 2
Bassoon
Clarinet 1 in Bb
Clarinet 2, 3 in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Alto Saxophone 1, 2 in Eb
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet 1 in B
Trumpet 2, 3 in B
Horn 1, 2 in F
Horn 3, 4 in F
Trombone 1, 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani Whip
Snare Drum
Wood Block
Glockenspiel
Bass Drum
ASTRA
Hn. 1, 2
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Tpt. 2, 3 in B
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3 in B
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F Tbn. 1, 2
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 3, 4
Hn. 1, 2
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3 in B
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F Tbn. 1, 2
Ob. 1, 2
Ten. Sax.
Bari. Sax.
Tpt. 1
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4
Ob. 1, 2
Cl. 2, 3 in Bb
Ten. Sax.
Bari. Sax.
Tpt. 1 in Bb
Tpt. 2, 3 in Bb
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F
Tbn. 1, 2
Ob. 1, 2
Tpt. 2, 3 in B
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2
Hn. 3, 4
Tpt. 2, 3
Ob. 1, 2
Ten. Sax.
Bari. Sax.
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F
Tbn. 1, 2
Tpt. 2, 3
Tpt. 2, 3
Hn. 1, 2 in F
Hn. 3, 4 in F Tbn. 1, 2
KATAHJ COPLEY
Carrollton, Georgia native, Katahj Copley (he/him/his) premiered his first work, Spectra, in 2017 and hasn’t stopped composing since. As of now, Katahj has written over 100 works, including pieces for chamber ensembles, wind ensembles, and orchestra. His compositions have been performed and commissioned by universities, organizations, and professional ensembles, including the Cavaliers Brass, California Band Director Association, Admiral Launch Duo, and “The President’s Own” Marine Band. Katahj has also received critical acclaim internationally with pieces being performed in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia.
Katahj received two Bachelor of Music degrees from the University of West Georgia in Music Education and Composition in 2021. In 2023, he received his Masters in Music Composition from the University of Texas at Austin - studying with Omar Thomas and Yevgeniy Sharlat. He is currently pursing his DMA in Music Composition at Michigan State University.
Aside from composing, Katahj is an excited educator who teaches young musicians the joy of discovering music and why music is a phenomenal language.
“Music for me has always been this impactful thing in my life. It can soothe, it can enrage, it can quiet, and it can evoke emotions that are beyond me and this world we live in. I believe that music is the ultimate source of freedom and imagination. The most freedom I have had as a musician was through composing. Composition is like me opening my heart and showing the world my drive, my passion, and my soul.”