THE GOLDEN PIER
(2019/rev. 2023)
PUBLISHER: TUX People’s Music, LLC | ca. 5-7 minutes | GRADE 3/MEDIUM
© 2023 TUX People’s Music, LLC
INSTRUMENTATION
WOODWINDS: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon (optional)
SAXOPHONES: 2 Altos, Tenor, Bari
BRASS: 4 Bb Trumpets, 2 Horns, 3 Trombones, Euphoniums (2+ players; T.C. and B.C. parts available), Tubas (2+ players)
PERCUSSION: Timpani, 3 Mallet Percussion, 2 Percussion [7-8 players in total are recommended]
PERCUSSION LIST
Vibraphone, Chimes, Glockenspiel, Marimba (4.3-octave), Tam-Tam, Triangle, Crash Cymbals, Ocean Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum
THE SECOND PIECE OF THE MICHIGAN TRIPTYCH
ADDITIONAL VERSIONS AVAILABLE
SCORE FOLLOWER
When I was growing up, my family and I would sometimes travel to the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier in my home state of Michigan. One of the earliest memories I have of that place is how far it was to walk to the lighthouse, how warm the sandy beaches were, and how cold the waters of Lake Michigan were on that bright summer day. There was another time that I visited this place around sunset. The lighthouse and pier practically emitted a radiant golden glow across the entire beach, a perfect and quasi-spiritual image of what Michigan's natural beauty has to offer that greatly profounded me.
This piece represents the idea of that place with its lush musical language. But, it also represents the warmest qualities that family and home can provide. Thus, the work is mainly reflective in a sense, bridged together by a ballad which twists and turns harmonically. Often times warm and peaceful, other times darker and uncertain, The Golden Pier is a work which embraces all of these qualities throughout its entire journey. In the end, however, I believe that the inherent beauty of the Grand Haven Lighthouse and Pier will always remain a bright memory and a natural wonder for those who visit it.
This piece is dedicated to my wife, friends, family, and colleagues who have supported me and my work. Thank you for believing in my music.