Overture for Euphoniums and Tubas

Overture for Euphoniums and Tubas (2015)

Program note from Parker Gaims:
Overture for Euphoniums and Tubas was commissioned in 2015 by Marine Band euphonium player Staff Sgt. Hiram Diaz. His request was actually for a quartet for two euphoniums and two tubas. But after pondering that instrumentation for a while, I composed this piece which includes two extra euphonium parts. As a composer, I likely broke the number one rule regarding commissions: write for the requested ensemble! Despite this, SSgt Diaz responded enthusiastically to my work.
The piece is a short romantic overture in several distinct sections. It opens with a slow C minor
introduction. Though the music is somewhat dissonant and a bit unsettling at times, the key area of E-flat major is briefly emphasized. After a series of somber descending dissonances, the ensemble cadences in C major. The longer second section begins in E-flat major and travels through many key areas. It contains a slower introspective secondary theme. The section concludes with a dramatic C minor version of the theme and a transition back to the grave introductory material. After this brief interlude, the piece ends joyously in E-flat major. The texture created by this group of instruments is one of warmth and depth.

I would like to thank SSgt Diaz for asking me to compose this piece. I would also like to thank SSgt
James McClarty for programming it on today’s concert. It is an honor to have my music performed by such amazing musicians.

MGySgt Mark Jenkins, MSgt Matthew Summers, GySgt Ryan McGeorge, and SSgt Hiram Diaz, euphonium
MGySgt John Cradler and SSgt Simon Wildman, tuba