Aerius

SKU: CF.CPS217

ISBN 9781491152430. UPC: 680160909933.

The title, Aerius, is a Latin term meaning “soaring” or “rising aloft”.  This piece is signature Carl Strommen at his best. The piece begins with a lush brass chorale that is developed before leading to an energetic presto section.  The composition comes full circle and finishes with a majestic return of the chorale material from the opening.  A welcome addition to the repertoire.
The title Aerius is a Latin term meaning “soaring” or “rising aloft.” The students chose this title to signify the forward momentum and overall journey of their time in the high school band program. With new events and performances, and a first time commissioning a work, this piece signifies the great strides the band has made in recent years.The opening brass chorale section should be played very connected, observing the two-measure phrasing and breathing as one cohesive unit. The Presto section at m. 25 should be taken between 165-170 bpm. the vibraphone soloist should use medium-hard mallets with the pedal on. The sustained notes at m. 41 should be played way under the upper woodwinds to get the greatest effect as it builds in volume and intensity in m. 49, and again into m. 57.At m. 69, the percussion must sustain the pulse to the conductor’s tempo, careful not to add accents they’re hearing among the other sections. After the ritardando in m. 83, push the tempo at m. 85 slightly to where the woodwinds feel comfortable playing the triplet figure with appropriate breathing and phrasing.- Andrew Monsen, Hauppauge High School Band Director, June 2017.