Windsicle (2006)
for Woodwind Quintet and Wind Band

Grade 5.5 / 5 • 10:45 • published by Sonic Soundscape Productions

Performance: The United States Air Force Academy Band | Conductor: Lt. Col. Steven Grimo

PROGRAM NOTES

Being able to compose for such an outstanding musical ensemble as The United States Air Force Academy Band is a real treat for any serious composer.  In addition, the request was to compose a work for the woodwind quintet and band featuring the Rampart Winds Woodwind Quintet.  Given carte blanche as to what to write about, composer Roger Cichy chose to focus on a piece that would utilize the quintet as a whole, but at times, feature the vibrant tonal qualities of each of the five instrument of the quintet.  Additionally, Cichy wanted to create a work that was attractive to listeners, relying on variety of musical styles and moods. 

The resulting work, which was completed in October 2006, was appropriately titled “Windsicle” to symbolize the woodwind aspect of the work.  But more importantly, the title was derived from the word ‘popsicle’, that pleasurable frozen treat we may have enjoyed at sometime within our lives.

INSTRUMENTATION

Quintet: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, F Horn

Winds: Flute 1, Oboe, Bassoon, Bb Clarinet 1 - 3, Bb Bass Clarinet, Eb Alto Saxophones 1 & 2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone

Brass: Bb Trumpet 1 - 3, F Horn 1 & 2, Trombone 1 - 2, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, hi-hat, bass drum, splash cymbal, triangle, crash cymbals, finger cymbals, suspended cymbal), Percussion 2 (4 concert toms, crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, temple blocks, chimes, bar chimes, maracas, orchestra bells, wood block), Percussion 3 (xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, orchestra bells)

Strings: String Bass