Dakota (score only) M.J. Cotton

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2002
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2
Alto Flute (optional)
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1, 2, 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1, 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1, 2, 3
Horn 1, 2
Trombone 1, 2, 3
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass
Timpani (3 drums)
Percussion 1 (snare drum)
Percussion 2 (large triangle, tam-tam, whip)
Percussion 3 (suspended cymbal, large outdoor wind chimes, 3 tom-toms, small bass drum)
Percussion 4 (crotales, marimba)
Percussion 5 (vibraphone, xylophone)
Dakota was commissioned by the Kappa Mu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi for the University of Georgia Band program under the direction of Dwight D. Satterwhite, John N. Culvahouse, David Romines, and Brett Bawcum. I dedicate this piece to the people who have helped and believed in me as a beginning composer, especially H. Dwight Satterwhite, John N. Culvahouse, and David R. Gillingham.

Thematically, the work is based on a Dakota Indian song of praise. The theme is first presented in the Alto Flute, or C Flute, solo. The melody is taken through the first section in several settings and several meters, including one that imitates some of Fisher Tull's textural ideas. The second section, incalzando e stringendo (growing more vehement and rapid), takes on a new, more violent tone and features the horns, the brass, and the percussion. The piece then returns to a slow tempo and includes vocalizations from the ensemble.
- MJ Cotton