Gambit

A “gambit” is a daring and adventurous opening strategy. This music for young band mixes elements of suspense and excitement into a high-energy concert or contest piece sure to please your band and audience.

Program Notes

The word “gambit” refers to an opening strategy in a game like chess that involves a risky move. A gambit is daring and adventurous, but can lead to success. This idea is the inspiration for the music in Gambit. After a suspenseful introduction an exciting main theme is presented in the trumpets. This theme is developed with the full ensemble, and then gives way to a more contemplative middle section that mixes a new theme with fragments from the earlier music. The final section brings back the main motives from the trumpet theme and introduction for a thrilling ending.

Grade Level: 2
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: 6+
Duration: 3:30

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Instrumentation

Part 1
Flute
B-flat Clarinet

Part 2
Flute
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet
Alto Saxophone

Part 3
B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Trumpet
Alto Saxophone
F Horn

Part 4
B-flat Clarinet/Trumpet
Alto Saxophone
F Horn

Part 5
Tenor Saxophone
F Horn
Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon

Part 6
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Baritone Saxophone
Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon
Tuba
Double Bass

Optional Percussion Timpani (2 drums)
Percussion 1: Xylophone, Bells
Percussion 2 [2 players]: 2 Concert Toms, Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 3 [2 players]: Snare Drum, Bass Drum