Heavy Metal Suite (concert band)

Tuba Feature

Named for the featured instrument, Heavy Metal Suite represents an eclectic mix of styles, designed to feature the soloist in a variety of settings, ranging from serious to humorous. The tuba players gets quite the workout playing long lyrical lines in one movement while showcasing multiple-tonguing techniques in another.

Program Notes

Heavy Metal Suite was composed as a solo vehicle for Dr. Jeffrey Hodapp, who is Assistant Professor and on the brass faculty at Emporia State University (Emporia, KS). Its original orchestration was for solo tuba and brass ensemble with two percussion parts. The four movements of the suite are an eclectic mix of styles, designed to feature the soloist in a variety of settings, ranging from serious to humorous. This version for concert band is essentially the same composition. It utilizes the additional colors of the woodwind section, as well as adding a new timpani part. Some additional percussion parts are added to enhance the score. The solo tuba part remains unchanged.

The first movement, Introduction and Allegro, is the most traditional of the four. The tuba states the theme in the key of C minor, which is followed by a statement by the full ensemble. The movement progresses through various episodes and a final modulation, which brings it to a rousing conclusion. Prairie Lullaby could best be described as a cowboy song. It is simple in form and harmony, and is very expressive in nature. Frolic is a short diversion. Lighthearted and humorous, it gives the solo tubist a virtuoso workout in multiple-tonguing techniques. Heavy Metal Soul is in the spirit of the classic funk and soul bands. Based on a simple riff, it allows the soloist to tear loose on a series of bass lines, in the manner of an electric bass player.

- Gary Ziek

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2006
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 11:05
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: With Soloist
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bassoon 1/2
Clarinet in Bb 1/2/3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2
Trumpet in Bb 3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2/3
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Solo Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Snare Drum, Concert Tom, Bells, marimba)
Percussion 2 (Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Tambourine, Triangle, Xylophone, Ratchet, Hi-Hat, Cowbell, Timbales)