Grade 5
SKU:
CL.012-3880-01
Composed by Robert W.
Smith. Concert Band. Opus
III Series. Audio
recording available
separately (item
CL.WFR368). Extra full
score. Composed 2010.
Duration 14 minutes, 53
seconds. Opus III Wind
Orchestra Publications
#012-3880-01. Published
by Opus III Wind
Orchestra Publications
(CL.012-3880-01).
In late August
of 2005, the normally
festive skies over the
city of New Orleans began
to change. As Hurricane
Katrina approached the
city, the skies promised
a weather event of
unprecedented
proportions. Composer
Robert W. Smith was
commissioned by the
United State Marine
Forces Reserve Band of
New Orleans to create
this symphonic tone poem
recreating and
commemorating the Katrina
experience. Beginning
with Blue Sky, the jazz
of the historic city
provides the musical
inspiration. Soon, the
Threatening Sky arrives
giving way to the Raging
Sky. Finally, the Dawn of
a New Sky brings hope as
the city is reborn to
share its musical gifts
once again. Promising
Skies is large work for
concert band at the
medium advanced level.
Using the American art
form of jazz as its base
along with unusual
percussive effects, the
piece is a unique and
welcome contribution to
the repertoire.