Artemis Generation, The

Inspired by the lunar exploration program The Artemis Plan, this percussion octet imagines the initial exploration phase, the discovery and colonization, and the unknown that lies ahead. With our population ever growing, and the Earth’s climate in danger, a new generation will have to find creative ways to sustain life. The Artemis Generation could be a big part of the solution.

Program Notes

The Artemis Plan is a lunar exploration program initiated and outlined by NASA in September of 2020. It’s key components include setting humanity on a sustainable course to the moon, landing humans on the moon, creating a human-robotic presence on the moon, and eventually expanding to Mars. This piece, scored for 8 percussionists, imagines the initial exploration phase, the discovery and colonization, and the unknown that lies ahead. With our population ever growing, and the Earth’s climate in danger, a new generation will have to find creative ways to sustain life. The Artemis Generation could be a big part of the solution.

This work was commissioned by Matthew Baker, Alex Singer, and The Cooper Middle Band from McLean, VA.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: 8
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Type: Octet
Category: Percussion

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Player 1: Glockenspiel, Woodblock
Player 2: Xylophone, Claves
Player 3: Vibraphone, Güiro
Player 4: Marimba (4.3-octave), Cabasa
Player 5: Timpani (4 drums)
Player 6: Snare Drum, Large Tom
Player 7: Brake Drum (or Anvil), Suspended (or Ride) Cymbal, Crash Cymbals
Player 8: Bass Drum