Originally scored for tuba-euphonium quartet, Appalachian Counterpoint has been adapted for 4-part flexible wind band, playable by any combination of instruments in the ensemble. It is based on a traditional Appalachian folk song originally set as a a lovely lilting lullaby. There is, however, very little feeling of “lullaby” in this work as it is transformed into an Appalachian fiddling tune.

Program Notes

Appalachian Counterpoint was commissioned by the University of Kentucky Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, comprised of Edward Carter, Daniel Cox, Connor Moore, and Chase Teachy. The work is based on a traditional Appalachian folk song originally set as a lovely lilting lullaby. There is, however, very little feeling of “lullaby” in this work as it is transformed into an Appalachian fiddling tune. As the title of the work implies, the folk song is subjected to various contrapuntal treatment as well as different harmonic, rhythmic, and metric guises. A slow and sonorous interlude separates the two fast sections of the pieces and a rousing coda bring the work to an exciting conclusion.

ABOUT THE SERIES
The MaxFlex Series for adaptable wind band offers maximum flexibility with pieces across all grade levels, featuring 4 parts plus optional percussion. Each part is transposed and playable by any wind or keyboard percussion instrument in the ensemble. Recommended part assignments are included, but directors may “mix and match” as they see fit.

Instrumentation

Full Score (showing all transposed parts)
Condensed Score (only “C” parts)

Adaptable Parts
(2 copies each of Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 for each instrument)
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet / Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone /Baritone Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet / Baritone T.C.
F Horn
Trombone / Euphonium / Bassoon
Tuba
Keyboard Percussion

Optional Percussion Parts
Keyboard Percussion: Xylophone, Vibraphone, Chimes
Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Percussion 2: Tambourine, Woodblock, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals