Dedicated to the Punahou School 8th Grade “Buff” Band, Mr. Grant King, director

Premiere: May 9th 2024 at Punahou School

Instrumentation:

Flute, Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon, Eb Alto Sax, Bb Tenor Sax, Eb Baritone Sax, Bb Trumpet 1 & 2, F Horn, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, Perc 1 (Crash Cymbal), Perc 2 (Snare Drum), Mallet Perc (Glockenspiel/Bells)

PASTORALE aims to evoke a sense of exploring the outdoors. After an opening percussion feature, the trumpets make way with the upbeat main melody. The use of the particular notes from the major scale, in this case, called the pentatonic scale, gives the theme a folky, traditional feel. Various sections in the band hand off the tune, in addition to the introduction of a new, quieter theme in the woodwinds. Finally, the ensemble comes together at the end, signifying the end of the adventure.

From Thomas’s Program Note