Published: 2007
Publisher: Lecta Music Publications
Duration: 6:30
Grade: 6
Difficulty: Difficult
Centra-fuge was commissioned by the University of Central Arkansas Music Department for the UCA Wind Ensemble, Dr. Ricky Brooks, Conductor. The piece is meant to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas and to capture the vitality, energy and continuous growth of this exceptional university. The composer chose the title from the word, centrifuge, a mechanical device causing centrifugal force. This force impels a “thing” or parts of a thing outward from a center of rotation (Webster). The university is the “center of learning” that teaches and prepares students to begin their journey in this world and to have hopefully, a positive impact on our society and nation.
In 1970 at the age of 18, the composer, Charles Booker entered college and discovered many kinds of music including the big band music of the Don Ellis Orchestra and the arranger/composer, Hank Levy of the Stan Kenton Orchestra. This music in particular is especially noteworthy in respect to its asymmetrical meters and exciting and vibrant tempos. “Centra-fuge” is all that and more. The trumpet section is featured emulating Don Ellis’ fiery trumpet playing and later, in the middle section, “walls of sound” are heard from the brass in pure Stan Kenton/Hank Levy vintage.