T. Rex (1996)

GRADE 4 • 5:30 • published by Daehn Publications

Performance: University of Rhode Island Symphonic Wind Ensemble | Conductor: Gene J. Pollart

PROGRAM NOTES

T. REX is a musical depiction of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex (Tyrant-Lizard-King from Greek and Latin) skeleton in existence.  Named for amateur fossil-hunter Sue Hendrickson, it was discovered along the Cheyenne River near Faith, South Dakota on August 12th, 1990.  Dating to the late Cretaceous Period, the Tyrannosaurus Rex lived approximately 67 million years ago, measured 42 feet in length, was 13 feet tall, and weighed seven tons.  The skeleton, over 90% complete, was purchased at auction by the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago on October 4, 1997. The exhibit was unveiled in the Great Hall of the museum on May 17th, 2000 and remains among the most popular of all Chicago attractions.

T. Rex was commissioned by the Woodstock High School Band of Woodstock, Illinois.  The media coverage of the new Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibit sparked the composer's imagination, suggesting the creation of a new work, the subject of which would certainly be familiar to all Chicago area students.  The composition begins in a very mysterious manner suggestive of the dinosaur's development from a hatchling into a vicious predator. Ensuing episodes depict the life and final demise of the beast, including her final breath at the end.

INSTRUMENTATION

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

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

Percussion: Timpani, Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, hi-hat, crash cymbals), Percussion 2 (tam-tam, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, finger cymbals, cowbell), Percussion 3 (concert toms, tam-tam, tambourine, orchestra bells, cowbell, bongos), Percussion 4 (marimba, chimes, xylophone, vibraphone)