In 2024, I wrote a piece titled Prairie Prelude using a new concept for small wind band - not flexible scoring, but fixed instrumentation. Valley Prelude is the second installment in that series.

This piece evokes the image of a hopeful morning in a valley: the grandeur of the scenery, the gathering of animals, and the serenity of nature. It is written to inspire such imagery in its musical character. Please explore the unique ""valley sound"" that best suits your ensemble by experimenting with different instrument combinations.

A major difference between this scoring and flexible instrumentation is that this setup avoids significant volume imbalances, making it easier to achieve a good sound regardless of the combination used.

This instrumentation is highly recommended for any band, especially smaller ensembles that struggle with repertoire. It follows a new format consisting of 9 parts - each part selected from two instrument options - plus percussion, allowing the piece to be performed with a minimum of 10 parts. Of course, both instruments for each part can be used if desired. With the addition of optional instruments, it can also accommodate medium-sized bands of 30-40 players.

(Hiroki Takahashi)