Reflections of a Wandering Mind

For Concert Band

Listen:

Program Notes

Reflections first started out as a relaxation piece that would attempt to relax one’s mind by imitating the sounds of ocean waves and light breezes. Soon after I had started the piece, I found out that my beloved dog and friend, Midgie was getting sick, I decided to turn the piece around and make it about her. The piece then became, Reflections of a Wandering Mind, and took a dramatic change while still keeping some of the warm tones of the original piece. The piece opens up with a fond memory of Midgie lying out in the sun in the back yard of the house that I grew up in. She always looked very relaxed and enjoyed the warmth of the sun beating down upon her white and brown blotchy coat.

As the piece progresses it drops more into a pondering state. There were many times that I could tell Midgie was thinking about things. She was an extremely observant animal and it was easy to tell her moods and thoughts. As the piece moves on it starts to signify the pain my family and I felt as Midgie grew into her old age and became sick. Finally, it ends with the lullaby with the poem written also by myself. The piece has a tremendous amount of solo piano that both support and lead throughout the work. Almost every time I sat and played on the piano at home, Midgie always came and sat behind or under me and loved to listen to me no matter what I played. She would often fall asleep just at the sounds of warm chords.

Dedication – To all who have lost a special pet in their lives. This is to my beloved dog Midgie who passed away on April 5th, 2008. You will always be remembered, loved and dearly missed. You were my favorite cuddle buddy, my best listener, and most supportive friend/family member. Sweet Dreams baby girl.

Performance Notes

Mallets
– Mallets for both Marimba and vibraphone should be soft yarn mallets. Medium-soft may also be used if articulations do not come through for the vibraphone. The marimba is meant to be soft cords and is not meant to be heavily articulated.
– Bass drum and Suspended Cymbal should both be soft yarn mallets. These are only used for effects and need to blend in with the ensemble.

Keyboards
Both the piano and vibraphone should use heavy pedal throughout the piece. It is important that the sound doesn’t become “muddy”, but should have a lingering effect with each bar.

Poem
The poem included on the previous page (a readers copy is included in the parts set) is read during the “gently” section at measure 136 (notated in the score). The poem is broken up into two sections and should be read by either a musician or a guest speaker. Because this piece was written around that poem, it is highly recommended that it is used during this section.