Published: 2009
Publisher: Lecta Music Publications
Duration: 6:48
Grade: 5
Difficulty: Difficult
“Switchback” was composed in the summer of 2009 and revised for publication in the summer of 2010. The piece was commissioned by the Northwinds Symphonic Band of Gainesville, GA, Ron Evans, conductor. The composition is based on the composer’s characterization of speeding an automobile up and down and around the northern mountainous region of Northern Georgia. After a powerful beginning, “Switchback” moves through a series of variations to include an andante section representing a beautiful “overlook”, and a contrasting fortissimo section in the relative minor. The fortissimo fades away, and the music returns to the original theme and through the use of asymmetrical meters, the composer creates an exciting downhill dash to the “finish line.”