Fresh Baked Cookies, for brass quintet and two percussion
by Stephen Shewan
$33
Note that the download version, like the print edition, is formatted for 9" by 12" (ARCH A) paper.
On a crisp Autumn day I had the privilege of spending time in the Albion High School Band Room prior to starting this commission. The rehearsal was energetic, and the students played with great focus. After rehearsal, twenty students remained with the director, Mr. Michael Thaine, to eat lunch. They gathered in a circle and played a game eagerly giving their responses to humorous topics that Mr. Thaine initiated. The room was filled with laughter. After lunch, Mr. Thaine opened a canister full of fresh baked cookies he had made for the students. Each student readily ate their cookie with some having seconds (and thirds). It was evident the students and director had a special bond built upon mutual respect, love and appreciation.
Sharing his homemade cookies with the students was a frequent and cherished experience. Many of the cookies were holiday themed. Because my visit was in late October, these particular cookies were baked with candy corn (they were delicious – I had one!). The cookies captured the love and joy that permeated this group of students and their director, somewhat like an informal breaking of bread.
The visit caused me to reflect on the warm feelings associated with a delicious warm cookie. The ensuing music is playful and youthful in spirit. Because Christmas cookies are my personal favorite, there are a few sleigh bell cameos. The sleigh bells also represent an important piece of history in the village of Albion. In 1937, Charles “Charlie” Howard opened the Santa Claus School just west of Albion. Men came from all around to take a one-week course that consisted of the history of Santa, child psychology, public relations and reindeer care. Students received a soft fur and hand-sewn boots for the participation. Howard was the Macy's Parade Santa Claus for eighteen years, from 1948-1965. There is a bronze statue of Howard dressed as Santa in the downtown square.
Fresh Baked Cookies is an evocative musical celebration of youthful joy experienced when biting into a cookie made with love especially for us. Originally for concert band, this version is for brass quintet and two percussionists.
- Stephen Shewan
INSTRUMENTATION
------------------------------
Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba
Mallets: Marimba, Xylophone, Bells
Percussion: Snare Drum, Sleigh Bells (Mounted),
Sus Cymbal, Tambourine, Temple Blocks,
Tenor Drum
Sharing his homemade cookies with the students was a frequent and cherished experience. Many of the cookies were holiday themed. Because my visit was in late October, these particular cookies were baked with candy corn (they were delicious – I had one!). The cookies captured the love and joy that permeated this group of students and their director, somewhat like an informal breaking of bread.
The visit caused me to reflect on the warm feelings associated with a delicious warm cookie. The ensuing music is playful and youthful in spirit. Because Christmas cookies are my personal favorite, there are a few sleigh bell cameos. The sleigh bells also represent an important piece of history in the village of Albion. In 1937, Charles “Charlie” Howard opened the Santa Claus School just west of Albion. Men came from all around to take a one-week course that consisted of the history of Santa, child psychology, public relations and reindeer care. Students received a soft fur and hand-sewn boots for the participation. Howard was the Macy's Parade Santa Claus for eighteen years, from 1948-1965. There is a bronze statue of Howard dressed as Santa in the downtown square.
Fresh Baked Cookies is an evocative musical celebration of youthful joy experienced when biting into a cookie made with love especially for us. Originally for concert band, this version is for brass quintet and two percussionists.
- Stephen Shewan
INSTRUMENTATION
------------------------------
Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba
Mallets: Marimba, Xylophone, Bells
Percussion: Snare Drum, Sleigh Bells (Mounted),
Sus Cymbal, Tambourine, Temple Blocks,
Tenor Drum