Vulcan

Vulcan (2014) for Concert Band was commissioned jointly by Ann Arbor High School band directors David Leach (Pioneer), Stephen Roberts (Huron) and Jason Smith (Skyline) in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Ann Arbor High School Band. The world premiere was performed by the Pioneer, Huron and Skyline Ann Arbor High School Centennial Band at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan on Thursday, May 29, 2014.

Vulcan is my musical homage to Gene Roddenberry’s interstellar universe as depicted in the classic American television series Star Trek (1966-69). The title refers to the fiery planet Vulcan, the home world of the half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock. As the rational science officer aboard the starship Enterprise, commandeered by the hot-blooded Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock grapples with the “fascinating” predicament of making decisions predicated on human emotion or Vulcan logic. I have composed stirring, yet highly structured music, which alludes to the Vulcan “Pon Farr” ritual, Vulcan telepathic mind-melds and Mr. Spock’s volcanic planet of Vulcan.

–Michael DaughertyVulcan (2014) for Concert Band was commissioned jointly by Ann Arbor High School band directors David Leach (Pioneer), Stephen Roberts (Huron) and Jason Smith (Skyline) in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Ann Arbor High School Band. The world premiere was performed by the Pioneer, Huron and Skyline Ann Arbor High School Centennial Band at Hill Auditorium, Ann Arbor, Michigan on Thursday, May 29, 2014.

Vulcan is my musical homage to Gene Roddenberry’s interstellar universe as depicted in the classic American television series Star Trek (1966-69). The title refers to the fiery planet Vulcan, the home world of the half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock. As the rational science officer aboard the starship Enterprise, commandeered by the hot-blooded Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock grapples with the “fascinating” predicament of making decisions predicated on human emotion or Vulcan logic. I have composed stirring, yet highly structured music, which alludes to the Vulcan “Pon Farr” ritual, Vulcan telepathic mind-melds and Mr. Spock’s volcanic planet of Vulcan.

Michael Daugherty

Instrumentation: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English horn (optional, but recommended), 3 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bb Bass Clarinets, Eb Contralto Clarinet or Bb Contrabass Clarinet (optional, but recommended), 2 Bassoons, 2 Eb Alto Saxophones, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone, 2 F Horns, 3 Bb Trumpets (straight metal mute, harmon mute, stem out), 2 Trombones (straight metal mute) 1. Tenor 2. Bass, Euphonium, 2 Tubas, Electric Bass or Contrabass (optional, but recommended; Electric Bass preferred), Timpani (4 drums recommended), Percussion (instruments are not shared): Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Vibraphone, small Anvil (metal beater), Shakaray, Marimba, Chimes, Suspended Cymbal (yarn mallets), Two Tam-Tams (small, medium), Tambourine, Mark Tree, Finger Cymbals, Vibraslap, Piccolo Snare Drum, Tenor Drum, Snare Drum, Large Bass Drum