WIND BAND | GRADE 5 - 6 | 2024 | 9 :00
THE WAYFINDER
WIND BAND
| GRADE 5 - 6 | 2024 | 9 :00
NOTES
Paths can be daunting; many of us may never see where they lead, and we often overlook the new paths we create for ourselves. When asked to compose a work for Carrollton High School, my alma mater—where my journey in music began—I felt both excitement and pressure. Despite having published nearly 90 works and explored countless stories and styles, this piece needed to be truly special.
Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the nerves, doubts, and fears of the unknown that accompanied my early steps. Yet, there was a calling I felt compelled to answer. I see this same calling in my professors and teachers, each navigating their own uncertain paths. We venture forward, believing that these journeys will guide us to our destinations, our paradises, our homes.
From this reflection, I began to sketch out the ideas encapsulated in three simple words: you, are, and here. The role of a wayfinder is to traverse the unknown, journeying through darkness and illuminating the path for others. This piece narrates that journey from the unknown to paradise, structured around those three key phrases:
Are you here? This phrase opens the door to the unknown, where the traveler begins their journey through a world shrouded in darkness.
Here you are. This segment acknowledges the challenges along the way—darkness and pitfalls—yet the music propels the traveler forward through the fog.
You are here. This final phrase signifies the completion of the journey. The wayfinder has found their path, and the destination becomes a vibrant reality, heralded by the sound of antiphonal trumpets and triangles, marking a triumphant arrival.
Paths can be daunting; many of us may never see where they lead, and we often overlook the new paths we create for ourselves, but as we move through that path, we create dreams and hope for all who follow. We become the wayfinder...
INSTRUMENTATION FOR WIND BAND
WOODWINDS
Piccolo
Flute 1-2
Oboe 1-2
Bassoon 1-2
Contrabassoon
Clarinet in Bb 1-3
Bass Clarinet in Bb
Contra Alto Clarinet
SAATB Saxophone
BRASS
B♭trumpet 1 - 3
Horn In F 1- 4
Trombone 1 & 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
PERCUSSION
Timpani
Glockenspiel1. Vibraphone2. Crotales, Suspended Cymbal & Cymbals 3. Bass Drum & Wind Chimes 4. Chimes, Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum, Crotales 5. Marimba, Crotales, Whip, Ratchet, & Snare Drum 6. Cymbals, Tam-tam & Suspended Cymbal 7.
(*optional soprano sax) antiphonal trumpet 1-4 antiphonal triangle
THE WAYFINDER
FLUTE 1, 2
OBOE 1, 2
BASSOON 1, 2
CONTRABASSOON
CLARINET I in B
CLARINET 2, 3 in B
BASS CLARINET in Bb
CONTRA ALTO CLARINET in E
SOPRANO SAXOPHONE
ALTO SAXOPHONE 1, 2
TENOR SAXOPHONE
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
HORN in F 1,3
HORN in F 2,4
TROMBONE 1,2
BASS TROMBONE
?bbb ?bbb &b &b &b & &b & &b & &b &b &bb &bb ?bbb ?bbb ?bbb ?bbb &bbb
?bbb
sim. (grace notes and pedaling) ?bbb ?bbb &bbb
With Force (q=72) 26
(q=72)
cresc. poco a poco
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.”