Beneath the Canopy

by
Cait Nishimura

Ensemble: Concert Band

Grade: 3

Duration: 03:15

Year of Composition: 2021

Commissioned by: Vancouver Technical S.S. Senior Band (Amanda Killburn and Elizabeth Riegert, directors)

Publisher: Cait Nishimura

Year of Publication: 2021

Publisher Catalog Number: CNM034

Available: Yes

How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase

Links:

Web Page

Sample Audio

Perusal Score 

Instrumentation

Flutes 1,2
Oboe
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinets 1,2
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Saxes 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpets 1,2
F Horn
Trombones 1,2
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Marimba
Glockenspiel
[Percussion:] Suspended Cymbal, Snare Drum

Adapted by the composer from the original version for flexible ensemble.

Five dollars from each purchase of this piece is donated to Tree Canada (each copy sold represents one tree seedling planted!).


Program Notes:

I’ve always cherished any time spent in the forest. While the mighty and majestic treetops are what I’m drawn to first, I’ve come to enjoy observing and investigating the environment that exists beneath the canopy. It is here where many birds, animals, and insects make their homes; where mushrooms and mosses magically appear; and where visitors to the forest leave footprints on trails.

Beneath the Canopy is a hopeful, uplifting, and energetic piece for concert band that is meant to evoke a walk through the woods. The layers of melodies and harmonies throughout the piece represent the various levels of the forest, from the ground to the understory and up to the canopy. The colours and textures within the ensemble depict the flora, fauna, and funga of the forest.

(Cait Nishimura)