In boxing the term “seconds out” refers to the moment when coaches and trainers (or seconds) must be out of the ring leaving the competitors alone to face the competition. In a similar vein this composition providesa musical description of the challenges and triumphs of students as they transition from middle to high school leaving their “seconds” (parents mentors etc.) behind to face life on their own terms. Featuring astrong sense of urgency throughout Seconds Out is solidly written for inexperienced ensembles with plenty of tutti scoring and interspersed with sections of contrasting dynamics and effective percussion writing. (Grade 2)Dur: 3:50

This intermediate band work shares its title with a painting by Frederic Edwin Church of surpassing magnificence and brilliance. Church lived around the time of the Civil War and became known particularly for his striking portrayals of sunsets in the American landscape. The form consists of two main sections connected by an interlude providing both a macro and micro soundscape which reflects and celebrates Church's masterful canvas. Recorded birdsong accompaniment is available from the publisher for this work. Track 1 includes birdsong to be used at the beginning of the piece track 2 includes 15 seconds of silence and track 3 includes birdsong to be started atmeasure 72. The birdsong was recorded during many various wilderness walks mixed with special panning effects and produced with audio levels in mind. This means the birdsong will not require the use of outside volume adjustment during the performance. Grade 3. Duration ca. 9'.