Always Blooming Ed Kiefer

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2017
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Euphonium
T.C. Baritone
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallet Percussion 1 (chimes)
Mallet Percussion 2 (xylophone)
Mallet Percussion 3 (4-octave marimba, vibraphone, bells)
Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum)
Percussion 2 (crash cymbals, suspended cymbal)
Written for my friends in Iredell County, North Carolina, Always Blooming is based on the chorale, “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming,” which was written sometime before the 17th century. Always Blooming is fast and energetic, in contrast to the hymn, and features every section of the band, especially the percussion section. Using themes from the chorale and original motifs, the composer weaves in and out of the original tune with contrasting brass/woodwind statements, section solis, a fugal-like section, and driving percussion that culminates in a short, broad statement of the chorale. The piece then returns to the fast tempo for the furious, climactic conclusion that will keep your audience and students on the edge of their seats!

Always Blooming was written in response to a bad accident that occurred involving several Iredell County band members at a local band competition. We were amazed at the resiliency of the students there and how hard they worked to continue to make music after that tragedy. We felt these students, despite major setbacks, were “always blooming” and continuing to grow in energetic and positive direction, hence the title and composition.