Slep for Brass Band

Slep - Brass Band Hymn/Concert Item

Playing level - B grade/2nd section

Slep was composed in 2021, in loving memory of Charlene, an elderly maltese dog who passed away in 2020.

The word “slep” became a pet name for when Charlene would sleep, and thus the work is named after this very personal association to the word.

This work begins and ends with a ostinato from the tubular bells and glock, highlighting a peaceful passing in and out of Dale’s life. From there, the music is full of passionate melodic lines, and fanfare statements. The music is dominated by the colour of the tenor horn section, which has the ability to create wonderful soft sounds, as well as providing the substance to the fortissimo fanfares. The central section of the work simmers down to a peaceful prayer, with acknowledgements to the musical work “I dreamed a dream” from Les Misérables.

Thank you to everyone who performs this work, and a huge thank you to Dominic Longhurst, Brad Mancer, Bill Vail, and Sylvia Vail, for giving their time and talents to create the multi-tracked premiere of this work.

Instrumentation:

• Soprano Cornet in Eb

• Solo Cornet in Bb (x4)

• Repiano Cornet in Bb

• 2nd Cornet in Bb (x2)

• 3rd Cornet in Bb(x2)

• Flugel Horn in Bb

• Solo Horn in Eb (or F)

• 1st Horn in Eb (or F)

• 2nd Horn in Eb (or F)

• 1st Baritone in Bb (or C)

• 2nd Baritone in Bb (or C)

• 1st Trombone in Bb (or C)

• 2nd Trombone in Bb (or C)

• Bass Trombone in C

• Euphonium in Bb (or C) (x2)

• Bass in Eb (or C) (x2)

• Bass in Bb (or C) (x2)

• Timpani

• Tuned Percussion (Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells)

• Percussion (Suspended Cymbal)