LOGAN LARSON
cryptic frequencies: movement i. ENTER THE VOID (2026)
grade 4 concert band and fixed media
Instrumentation
Piccolo, Flute 1 and 2, Oboe, Eb Clarinet, Bb Clarinet 1, 2, and 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1 and 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Horn in F 1 and 2, Trumpet in Bb 1, 2, and 3, Trombone 1 and 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Fixed Media.
Performance Notes
Stereo playback required for the electronic track. The speakers should be in front/the side of the band pointed towards the audience. This will create the correct blend of sound for the audience. If the band is extremely large, the fixed media can also be played through the hall to create a 50/50 blend in the sound, but this should be a secondary option.
For the conductor, the fixed media and concert band should ALWAYS be balanced in a 50/50 split. The band is obviously the thing we should be hearing a little more of but do not lose the backing track in the overall sound, the blend is what makes this different.
Program Notes
The first movement of Cryptic Frequencies, “Enter The Void”, represents 852 Hz (Third Eye Chakra) and the returning one to a spiritual order. This chakra is associated with intuition, wisdom, and a connection to the universe. It is believed to enhance psychic capabilities, spiritual awareness, and open-mindedness. It said to help overcome illusions and limitations in perception. In this movement we as the listener enter our own minds and explore what mysteries exist in the void. The EDM genre explored in this movement is Color Bass.
Fixed Media Aural References
Track Begins; 0:00
1: Stutter Vocal Synth Enters; 0:13
2: Background Percussion Enter; 0:26
3: Phrase Entrance For Band; 0:38
4: Mood shift and Kick Enters; 0:51
5: Drop 1; 1:10
6: Mood shift and shifts into more halftime feel; 1:23
7: Thinner texture and mood shift; 1:36
8: Phrase Entrance For Band; 1:42
9: Phrase Entrance For Band; 1:49
10: Phrase Entrance For Band; 1:55
11: Phrase Entrance For Band; 2:01
12: Phrase Entrance For Band; 2:08
13: Return of Rehearsal 4 Material; 2:14
14: Drop 2; 2:34
15: Mood shift; 2:46
16: Mood shift, less aggressive synths and tension decreases; 2:59
17: Phrase Entrance For Band; 3:12
18: Drums Exit; 3:25
Percussion Legend
This is for Percussion 4 with regards to a technique for the Wind Chimes. The wind chimes are to be divided into four even sections and are written like quad toms. Hit the sections as illustrated in the picture below with any beater. The purpose is to create a wash of harmonic sound that moves up and down in pitch. Let the wind chimes continue to ring after each hit until the word “choke” appears.
1 2 3 4
Cross Cueing
If parts in the score do not meet your ensemble’s instrumentation, please contact Logan Larson directly at LoganTLarson@gmail.com for transposed parts. In case of missing oboe, an alternate oboe part has been written for Bb clarinet. In case of missing bassoon, an alternate oboe part has been written for Bass Clarinet. In case of missing French Horn, an alternate oboe part has been written for Trumpet. In case of missing Euphonium, an alternate oboe part has been written for Trombone. Any other missing instruments cues can be available upon request with substitutes depending on your ensemble’s needs.
Movement of Audience and Additional Components
Movement for a concert band piece being performed in a concert hall might seem to be counterintuitive, with the audience and concert band being seated. While not required for performance, the option of adding interdisciplinary elements is encouraged. Collaborating with a dance department/dancers to further illustrate the story would allow for movement to be
integrated in the performance. With the visuals that accompany this work, this can add new opportunities for lighting design and other theatrical components. I’ve had people give the ensemble and audience members glow sticks and even conduct with a glow stick. Even in a concert hall setting, while not common, movement of the audience can be encouraged. Asking the audience to stand and dance is not out of the realm of possibilities. The performance of this work can also be outside of the concert hall and give a less restrictive space for the audience to move and dance.
Cryptic
Like a guiding force in the darkness
Pedal lightly for entire
6 Play slightly behind the beat to match synth, do not swing.
With confidence
Like a guiding force in the darkness