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Expressions of a Human Psyche was written for my friend Richard Farley and the Sand Creek High School Band, Sand Creek, Michigan, on the occasion of their performance as a featured band at the annual music educators conference at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in January of 1989.
There are many basic expressions and emotions that are inherent in the human psychological makeup - or human psyche. Among these are anger, confusion, sorrow, joy, fear and tranquillity. This set of expressions gives an impression of the human psyche's state of mind during each of these moments.
ANGER begins imperceptibly in the percussion and grows more and more furious with each percussion entrance until all the drums are flailing away in a frenzy of unreasoned anger. The rest of the band enters with a primal scream in response to the rage of the percussion which is followed by a very angry argument back and forth. The expression concludes with neither side getting the last word.
CONFUSION is two simultaneous, unconnected expressions. One is random thoughts with no apparent direction. In this section the band performs as individuals rather than as sections and play free-form, without rhythm or time signature. The expression is highlighted by the use of suspended clay flower pots. While all this confusion is going on, another section of loud, busy activity, with fast rhythms is superimposed over it by the saxophones and trumpets.
SORROW has two textures. One is the percussion section and the other is the rest of the band as a kind of "Greek chorus". The band does not play on instruments but rather use arm motions, shouting and whispering to make the expression. Alternating with the sharp, loud outbursts of sorrow are small whispered expression of "this my loss".
JOY is an expression of pure, undistilled happiness. A very simple tune is repeated over and over, beginning and ending with flute and clarinet solo. The whole expression is bright and perky over a percussion sound made up of "tinkley" sounds like bells, triangle, and finger cymbals.
FEAR begins with high harmonic sounds produced by running a finger around the rim of wine glasses along with drawing of a string bass bow across the edge of various cymbals. Combined with this is the eerie sound of a tam-tam being raised and lowered into water while being played. The timpani and bass drum begin a heart beat which speeds up as the fear grows. After a scream, the band chants the "dies irae" along with the ringing of chimes and bells in the percussion.
TRANQUILLITY is an expression of repose and rest. Over a sound of wind chimes there are three chorale sections. First the flutes followed by the clarinets and last the low winds and brass. The expression concludes with the ensemble drifting off one by one to sleep.
The expressions giver the band some challenges not normally encountered in their music. They are required to use playing techniques on their instruments which are unfamiliar to them. They are also called upon to perform in manners which they normally do not do, such as shouting, singing, whistling, chanting, whispering, and using choreographic effects, even processing around the stage. Most young musicians are open and receptive to these ideas and it their willingness and oftentimes eagerness that will provide the continued stimulating environment that will enable the craft of our music to continue to evolve and grow and not stagnate in the mire of "old wine in old bottles".
Instrumentation:
Percussion:
