Chester Overture for Band - Concert Band

Chester
Overture for Band

Based on William Billings' Hymn and Marching Song of the American Revolution

Excerpts below are used by permission of GIA Publications, Inc., and are from "Teaching Music Through Performance In Band - Volume 2"

Chester overture was originally the third movement of an orchestral work, New England Triptych: Three Pieces After William Billings (1956), commissioned by Andre Kostelanetz.  According to Joseph Machlis, Schuman explained his impetus for writing the Triptych thus: "William Billings is a major figure in the history of American music.  The works of this dynamic composer capture the spirit of sinewy ruggedness, deep religiosity and patriotic fervor that we associate with the Revolutionary period.  I am not alone among American composers who feel an identity with Billings, and it is this sense of identity which accounts for my use of his music."

Instrumentation: Piccolo, Flute I, Flute II, Oboe I, Oboe II, Clarinet (in Eb), Clarinet I, Clarinet II, Clarinet III, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon I, Bassoon II, Alto Saxophone I, Alto Saxophone II, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Saxophone, Cornet I, Cornet II, Cornet III, Horn I, Horn II, Horn III, Horn IV, Tenor I, Tenor II, Tenor III, Euphonium, Tuba, Contrabass, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbal, Wood Block, Timpani.

Includes score and parts