Click here to listen to HOLD THIS BOY AND LISTEN as performed by The University of Colorado Symphonic Band under the direction of Matthew Roeder.

Theodore Presser Company: www.presser.com 610.592.1222 ext. 225
www.shattingermusic.com (800.444.2408) – full score only

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!

All materials for this work available at www.presser.com.