AFSE3 CAPRICE FOR CORNET

American Festival Series Special Edition #3

Music By William Himes
Brian Bowen, editor

Program Note
In musical terms, a caprice is a light and whimsical work. In this case, the adjective "youthful" would also apply. This solo is dedicated to the memory of Joshua Olson, who at the age of twelve went to be with Jesus on February 3, 1999, having fought a courageous battle with Pseudo-obstruction Syndrome, a congenital disease that claims most within their first four years of life. For all the health challenges that were his, Josh lived a remarkably active life which included playing cornet in his corps youth band. His brief life was truly a testimony of faith.

Appropriately, the work is based on the chorus "I'm so happy" and the old gospel song, "Jesus is all the world to me," from which the final verse reads:

Jesus is all the world to me, I want no better friend;
I trust him now, I'll trust him when life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a friend, beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy, he's my friend.

Note to the Conductor
This active and colorful accompaniment will certainly keep the band - especially percussionists - thoroughly involved from start to finish. The usual cautions for backing a soloist apply: players are encouraged to reduce in number whenever the soloist is in.

The opening should be flowing and ethereal in character, with a well-proportioned accelerando beginning at 44 reaching a bright allegro at bar 48. This sets the mood for the soloist's light-hearted entry at bar 54. (Think cartoon music!) At bar 137 the style becomes more dramatic before returning to the dream-like atmosphere of the opening.

Keep in mind the middle section (153-202) is quite bluesy, with players observing "swing style" throughout. The final section (203-end) revisits much of the previous melodic material, but this time with a 'Latin feel.' There should be no hint of swing here, with crisp execution of syncopated motifs, pressing on to a brilliant, fiery finish.

Instrumentation: (optional transpositions in parenthesis)
Full Score
Bb Soloist
Eb Soloist
Solo Cornet
1^st Cornet
2^nd Cornet
Flugel Horn
Solo Horn
1^st Horn
2^nd Horn
1^st Baritone
2^nd Baritone
1^st Trombone (b.c.)
2^nd Trombone (b.c.)
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Eb Bass
Bb Bass (b.c.)
Percussion I
Percussion II