— Orchestral version —
“Most imaginative, unusual, and successful work”
A concert story with narration
Surround-sound
Unorthodox audience participation
16 minutes
FINALIST, 2013 American Prize for Composition
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 in the score. The 6 perc version is the composer’s preference.
SCROLL DOWN FOR RECORDINGS AND NOTES
MOST IMAGINATIVE
“Jericho” is by far the most imaginative, unusual, and successful work I have ever performed in 33 years of conducting.
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.
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.)
Also available for Concert Band
Video: excerpt, Lamont Symphony, Denver
Video: Complete work, Lamont Symphony
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.
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
Yakima Symphony performs Ayers’ Jericho
Whistling Tubes
Several extra “performers” twirling whistling tubes (see below) behind audience.These can be non-musicians that will need only one rehearsal; use a “key man” twirler who has had more rehearsal time that the other twirlers watch.
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 for Orchestra
