JERICHO (band version)

— Band version —
“Most imaginative, unusual, and successful work”
A surround-sound concert story with narration and unorthodox audience participation
16 minutes. Grade 5-6.

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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.
–Dr. 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.
–Dr. 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.

Hardcopy band set distributed by J.W. Pepper
(Extra hardcopy scores and parts by also be ordered at the Pepper link.)


Also available for orchestra

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

Video: excerpt 1

YouTube player

Video: excerpt 2

YouTube player

Video: Complete work, Windiana Concert Band

YouTube player

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

Instrumentation Notes

5 fl incl. alto and optional bass
2 ob + English horn
6 clar + bass clar + contrabass
2 bsn + contra
4 sax (sop, alto, tenor, bari)
Offstage ww choirs behind audience: 3 fl + 3 clar (These are simple parts that can be played by guest musicians with one rehearsal)
6 trp (2 are offstage)
4 horns
3 trb + bass trb
euph
tuba
The horns and 2 trombones move late in the piece to positions around the audience.
1 electronic keyboard through bass amp (for pedal tone)
harp or 2nd electronic kayboard
acoustic piano (special “inside the piano” effect, optional if touring)
6 percussionists (no timp), set up around the audience.
Several extra “performers” twirling whistling tubes (see below) behind audience.These can be non-musicians; use a “key man” twirler the others watch.


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.


Analysis

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


Other Works Based on the Old Testament

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