FIRECRACKER ALLEY

for wind ensemble

Written: 2013-14
Duration: ca. 7'
Instrumentation: wind ensemble: 1 piccolo†, 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, bass clarinet†, 2 bassoons†, 4 saxophones†, 3 B-flat trumpets, 4 horns, 3 trombones (2 plus bass), 1 euphonium, 1 tuba, 6 percussion†, timpani.
†These performers are required to throw Bang Snaps (also called Chinatown Red Snap Crackers, Bang Pops, Party Snaps, Red Snap Crackers, Thunder King Snaps, Red Cracker Snaps, etc.) at the stage from mm. 234-235 (see note in score). Other performers may also throw these if they don’t miss their entrances. Note: there are two types of these sound effects: the ones that look like miniature red firecrackers are generally louder, and those that look like little white balls of twisted tissue paper are generally softer. The red ones are preferred, but the white ones will do, and both can also be used. A link to the preferred kind is below. It is strongly recommended that the players and ensemble test these during the dress rehearsal and before the performance, and also clear the use of these with your school if this is programmed indoors ahead of time, before purchasing the these.
Commissioned by the Kutztown University Wind Ensemble, Cornell Winds, Keystone Wind Ensemble, UB Concert Band, and a consortium of wind ensembles.
First World Premiere: Kutztown University Wind Ensemble, Daniel Neuenschwander, Director, Kutztown University, Schaeffer Auditorium, April 16, 2014.
Publisher: Bill Holab Music

View Score | Buy Sheet Music | Buy Red Snap Crackers

PROGRAM NOTE

Growing up, one of my favorite pastimes was setting off firecrackers with friends. We knew our parents wouldn't approve and would punish us if they found out—which made it all the more exciting—so we would meet in a secluded neighborhood alley. We had all sorts of firecrackers with crazy sounding names like Thunder Bombs, Crrackfires, Cherry Bombs, Sonic Booms, and so on, not to mention bottle rockets.

Setting off firecrackers made us feel empowered. We were literally playing with fire and knew we were doing something dangerous—after all, we could lose a finger, or even an eye—but it was exciting all the same. We would purchase fireworks from shops across the Canadian border where they were legal. Or, more accurately, we would find teenagers with cars and a penchant for mischief; they had quite a racket selling fireworks on the sly to younger kids in the neighborhood.

Part of the fun in creating Firecracker Alley was figuring out which effects sound firecracker-like. Of course, I call for multiple slapsticks, but there are also loud drums, rim shots, whistles, lines in the winds that are reminiscent of bottle rockets. Through it all, there are fanfare-like brass passages that capture the excitement and joy of setting off firecrackers.

Quotes