Scores and Parts available from the composer

Commissioned by Matthew Roeder and the Colorado Wind Ensemble with support from Colorado’s High Schools.
DURATION: 6’

Piccolo
2 Flutes
Oboe
3 Clarinets B-flat
Bass Clarinet B-flat
2 Bassoons (2nd optional)
2 Alto Saxophones E-flat
Tenor Saxophone B-flat
Baritone Saxophone E-flat
3 Trumpets B-flat (3rd part covered if missing)
2 Horns F
3 Trombones
Euphonium (bass and treble part provided)
Tuba

Contrabass (optional)
Timpani
4 Percussion

Program Note:

Hold this Boy and Listen (2008) is an unusually soft and subdued song for band, written for my third nephew, David Paulus, Jr.  I sat down at the piano and wrote a lyrical work where the melodies and harmonies return, creating a structure not unlike standard song structure.  The sentiment is at times innocent or wistful and at other times haunted and serene.  The players should really be allowed to sing through their instruments in this piece.

To the Conductor
As I was orchestrating this piece for concert band it occurred to me that this would be a true exercise in restraint for young players.  Don’t let the surface simplicity of this little piece fool you.  The music here will shine forth in direct relation to the choices you make to pull and push the band.  Always remain flexible with the tempi and never barrel through a passage.  Never let the piece get too loud (most of the work is set at p or pp) except at the few moments where a full sound is called for.  I hope you enjoy rehearsing and performing this song!

*Contact the composer for a reference recording of HOLD THIS BOY AND LISTEN.