JERICHO (orchestral version)

— Orchestral version —
“Most imaginative, unusual, and successful work”
A surround-sound concert story with narration and unorthodox audience participation
16 minutes

3[1.2. 3/pic] 3[1.2.eh] 3[1.2.bcl] 3[1.2.cbn] – 4 4[incl 2 offstage] 3 1 – 3 or 6* perc (no timp) -hp pno – str
*There are two versions of the percussion parts included. 6 perc is the composer’s preference.
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MOST IMAGINATIVE
“Jericho” is by far the most imaginative, unusual, and successful work I have ever performed in 33 years of conducting.
–Richard Fischer, Distinguished Professor of Music, Concordia University Chicago
ASTONISHED
After the double bar, there was silence for what felt like an eternity. I have never received so many astonished comments following a concert. I had numerous requests to perform “Jericho” again.
–Miles Wurster, Director of Bands, Martin Luther College

Dr. Wurster has written an excellent analysis of Jericho including rehearsal and performance suggestions. See pages 16 – 33 in the linked document.

Also available for Concert Band

NOTE: The full score has both the 6-percussion version (labeled 1-6) and the 3-percussion version (labeled A-C). The part set includes both percussion sets. (The two sets cannot be intermingled; use either percussion parts 1-6 or parts A-C, but do not mix the two.)


Video: excerpt, Lamont Symphony, Denver

YouTube player

Video: Complete work, Lamont Symphony

YouTube player
LASTING IMPRESSION
I have found “Jericho” to be one of the most effective pieces I have ever had the pleasure to conduct. It makes a lasting impression on the audience. People LOVED it. They kept talking about the piece for weeks.
–Terry Treuden, former Director of Bands, Wisconsin Lutheran College

Performed by:

  • East Texas Baptist University Symphonic Band, Mark Crim, conducing
  • Abington Symphony Orchestra (PA), John Sall, conducting
  • Biola University Symphony and Paul Delgado Singers (CA), Marlin Owen, conducting
  • Yakima Symphony Orchestra (WA), Lawrence Golan, conducting
  • Windiana Concert Band (IN), Jeffrey Scott Doebler, conducting
  • Riverbend High School Symphonic Band (VA), Aaron Noë, conducting
  • Lamont Symphony Orchestra (CO), Lawrence Golan, conducting, Kenneth Cox, narrating
  • University of Portland Wind Symphony (OR), Patrick Murphy, conducting
  • Martin Luther College Wind Symphony (MN), Miles Wurster, conducting
  • Wisconsin Lutheran College Concert Band, Terry Treuden, conducting
  • Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony, Richard Fischer, conducting
  • Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band, Jeffrey Scott Doebler, conducing

Whistling Tubes

This piece uses several extra “performers” surrounding the audience twirling whistling tubes. These performers can be guests such as local students, board members, or dignitaries. The tubes are available from toy stores and online retailers like Amazon.  A Google search for “whistling tubes” should locate them.


Yakima Symphony performs Ayers’ Jericho

The Yakima Symphony (Washington state)) performs Ayers’ JERICHO

Dr. Miles Wurster has written an excellent analysis of the band version Jericho (nearly identical to orchestral version) including rehearsal and performance suggestions. See pages 16 – 33 in the linked document.


Other Works for Orchestra

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