2007 Mt. Vernon High School Marching Wildcats

“Making of a Masterpiece”

Table of Contents

• Show Outline

• Show Storyboard

• Musical Descriptions

• Listening Examples

Show Outline

• Mvt. I – Introduction “Preparations”(:45)• Mvt. II – “Drawing the Line” (2:00)• Mvt. III – “Taking Shape” (1:30)• Mvt. IV – “A Splash of Color” (2:00)• Mvt. V – Conclusion (:45)

• Total Time 7:00

Show Storyboard• Mvt. I- “Preparations”

– Start with something in the pit as guard and band set equipment. (w/ Piano solo)

– Add in the battery as “set-up” idea continues.

– Then move to a fanfare of main themes in winds with a “to the wall” hit to start the show. Compressed vis. form.

– Possible visual might include soloist appearing at the end of intro to be the “Artist” throughout the show. We need to be careful to do this without being “cheesy.”

Show Storyboard

• Mvt. II – “Drawing the line”– Start with simple line forms visually

and musically. Use the artist to lead the “lines” and shape “arcs.” This must be carefully done also! (Similar to the Calloway Geometric show)

– Tempo: start moderate and grow in intensity throughout the mvt.

– As tempo and patterns become more complex, add visual interest/complex.

– Should start almost labored, then become more fluid.

– End with a big impact…tight visual form and unison hits in music.

Show Storyboard• Mvt. III – “Taking Shape”

– Mysterious Slow Mvt. w/ both Alto Sax & piano/keyboard

– WWs add in on a chorale, then answer with brass choir moving to broad full closing in tutti.

– Visually we could have the soloist start on a centered box, flanked on each side by a dancer. As we build the big idea have the guard doing body work on/around the tarp. Have the artist discreetly unveiling the line drawing of the artwork by the end.

– Line drawing needs to be of our “masterpiece” without colors…just barely enough to recognize it.

Show Storyboard• Mvt. IV – “A splash of color”

– Careful transition from slow mvt. to moderate tempo w/ drum break and build intensity throughout as winds are added.

– Use different sections of the band to represent colors. Maybe even some “fugue” ideas being bounced around. (WW/Brass/Per./Guard)

– Have artist repeat the concept of working with the “color” groups by bringing in/leading each section.

– As this movement concludes we should start setting up for tarp change to the final masterpiece. Stage guard on or near the tarp.

Show Storyboard

• Mvt. V – Conclusion– Short fast conclusion.

– Swirling rhythm and melodic lines.

– Visually drawing everybody to the tarp.

– End with tight form around the pit and artist at the tarp to uncover the “Masterpiece”

Mvt. I – Introduction :45

• Introduction (:30)

• Fanfare (:15) Artists 1st Appearance

Note: All times are approximate…complete show time is the most important at 7 minutes.

Mvt. II – “Drawing the Line” (2:00)

• Basic/simple tutti lines at moderate tempo, almost labored (:15-:20)

• Increased complexity & tempo (:20)

• Still building less labored (:20)

• Fast and furious (:40-:50)

• Close with big hit section (:10)

Mvt. III –“Taking Shape” (1:30)

• Mysterious opening moving to Solo (:15)

• From solo to WW Chorale (:15-:20)

• Brass choir response (:10-:15)

• Tutti broad chorale (:30-:40)

Mvt. IV –“A Splash of Color” (2:00)

• Intro to drums maybe pit or solo transition? (:10)

• Drum Break into Winds (:20-:25)

• Winds – (1:20-1:30)

Mvt. V – Conclusion (:45)

• Fast and furious throughout

• Start a little more simply (:15)

• Build and “swirl” (:20)

• Climax with big hit (:10)