When a Good Man Goes to War

Based on a concept derived from several episodes of the BBC's television series "Doctor Who" this work portrays the complexity of the human condition and the wellspring of hope that often shimmers through even the darkest of times. The piece explores anxiety of duty, signified by the bass drum and timpani heart beat in the opening, and using texture to paint colors of sound.

Grade Level: 5
Copyright: 2020
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

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
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
B-flat Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (3 drums)
Bass Drum/Suspended Cymbal [2 players]

Program Notes
One of my favorite television programs is BBC's Doctor Who. I remember watching the series as a child and, while not totally understanding what was happening, felt a deep impact from the loveable characters and challenging subject matter. Over the last 15 years or so, Doctor Who has resurged as a story-telling reprieve in my life and one particular exchange has resonated with me: