Sunset at Quantico

Sunset at Quantico is an attempt to present my impressions of a military funeral there. Aside from the original material (typified in the optional Chorale Prelude), the traditional military drum dirge (used as the deceased veteran’s casket moves from chapel to graveside) is included in this work, as is the bugle call Taps.

Program Notes

Sunset at Quantico was commissioned by The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble of Alexandria, VA, Dr. Randall Eyles, Director. Quantico, VA is not only a marine military base and the location of the F.B.I. Academy, but it is also a national cemetery. Sunset at Quantico is an attempt to present my impressions of my father’s military funeral there. There is no political statement here. The work hopefully renders the soldier’s point of view

Aside from the original material (typified in the optional Chorale Prelude), the traditional military drum dirge (used as the deceased veteran’s casket moves from chapel to graveside) is included in this work, as is the bugle call Taps. As far as the origin of Taps is concerned there are many legends, lyrics, and opinions on the matter. I found the most thorough investigation and record of information on Taps to be by Jari A. Villanueva on the website www.west-point.org.

- Reber Clark

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 2009
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 6:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Programming: Patriotic
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2/3
Bass Clarinet
Contrabass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Optional Narrator

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Snare Drum, Bass Drum)
Percussion 2 (Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Crash Cymbals)
Bells
Vibraphone
Chimes