Concerto for Tuby and Wind Ensemble

Concerto for Tuby and Wind Ensemble The Concerto for Tuba and Wind Ensemble was written for Alan Baer in January of 2011. It was written for Mr. Baer’s appearance with the Emporia State University Wind Ensemble. (Soaring - Romance - Riot!) The work is in three movements, each reflecting different facets of the tuba as a solo instrument. Movement 1, Soaring, starts with a series of tuba fanfares, alternating with responses from the ensemble. The mood becomes increasingly agitated leading to the first full ensemble impact. The music gradually transforms to a slower, more lyrical statement of the initial tuba melody. This passage abruptly segues into a faster section comprising the majority of the first movement. This section utilizes a sonata form (ABA), with the tuba soaring above the ensemble, with numerous lyrical episodes. The movement comes to a rousing conclusion with final statements of the melody being sounded in the woodwinds. Movement 2, Romance, begins with a gentle, flowing Siciliano. This leads to a waltz, which requires considerable lyricism and agility from the soloist. The Siciliano returns as the movement ends in a moment of quiet repose. This contemplative mood is abruptly shattered by the beginning of the 3rd movement, Riot! Dissonant pyramids of sound, based on the Dies Irae, set the stage for this movement, which can best be described as a five part “blues rondo”. Driving rhythms and furious, challenging tuba lines are found throughout this movement. The soloist has a short cadenza, leading to a 12/8 feel and coda, bringing the piece to a rousing conclusion GDZ 2011 Dr. Gary D. Ziek has served as the Director of Bands and Professor of Trumpet at Emporia State University since 1995. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University in May of 1994, graduating as a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. While attending Michigan State, he served as Principal Trumpet in the Wind Symphony. He received his Master of Arts in Trumpet Performance in 1986 and his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Dr. Ziek served from 1982 to 1985 in the United States Army and was a member of the Continental Army Band at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He taught in the Greater Latrobe School District in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, from 1987 to 1992. He was the Associate Director of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Marching Band in 1994. Dr. Ziek enjoys performing and conducting a wide variety of music, from classical to jazz, and is active as both an arranger and composer. His compositions and arrangements have been performed throughout the United States, and in Europe and Asia. Dr. Ziek has performed and conducted in twenty five states, as well as in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Canada.