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Alto Saxophone Concerto Consortium

Time Unfolding

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (2024)

Call for Consortium Members

Welcome, saxophonist and wind ensemble friends! This year composer Alexandra Gardner is creating a new 10-12-minute concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble entitled Time Unfolding for Sarah Hetrick and a consortium of wind ensembles and saxophonists.

About the Work

NASA James Webb Telescope image Stephan's Quintet
NASA James Webb Space Telescope image of a collection of galaxies named Stephan’s Quintet.

Time Unfolding is a new work for alto saxophone and wind ensemble inspired by the recent captivating images of galaxy and star formation from NASA’s James Webb Telescope. The composition explores the profound implications of the nature of time as we consider that the images, captured using infrared light, traveled billions of light years and provide glimpses into the early stages of the universe.

The piece will convey a wide range of emotions and moods, allowing talented saxophonists to shine and ensembles to showcase their versatility and musicianship. Rather than a traditional “competition” model of soloist versus ensemble, this work will emphasize a collaborative relationship in which they build sonic tapestries ranging from the ethereal and introspective to the exuberant and triumphant.

By incorporating projections of the breathtaking imagery captured by the telescope, the performance of Time Unfolding becomes a multi-sensory experience*. Exploring the intersection between science and art, this project encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and sparks conversation about our universe’s mysteries.

*The composer will provide images. Including projections is a suggestion, not a requirement.

Consortium Directors

Dr. Tiffany Galus, Assistant Professor of Music in Bands at Indiana University
Alexandra Gardner, composer
Dr. Sarah Hetrick, saxophonist, Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Arkansas

Details

  • The concerto score, parts, and piano reduction will all be completed and delivered by May 15, 2024.
  • The work will be available for programming by consortium members in Fall 2024.
  • Sarah Hetrick retains exclusive rights to the premiere commercial recording of the work in both wind ensemble and piano reduction forms.
  • The instrumentation is for a standard collegiate-level band.
  • The difficulty level is suitable for collegiate bands (Grade 4-5).
  • The saxophone part will be of advanced difficulty.

Buy-In Options

  • Deadline to join the consortium is March 31, 2024
  • Buy-in for the Wind Ensemble level per consortium member is $700.
  • Buy-in for the Professional Saxophonist level per consortium member is $100.
  • Buy-in for the Student Saxophonist level per consortium member is $50.

Wind Ensemble Package

Benefits include:

  • Name of consortium institution and conductor listed in the score.
  • A copy of the full band score and all parts (in PDF format).
  • A copy of the piano reduction score with solo part (printed and bound).
  • Exclusive performance rights to the version with band accompaniment from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2026.
  • Exclusive performance rights to the version with piano accompaniment from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2026.
  • Private 60-minute Zoom event with Alexandra and the ensemble to discuss the work and all things music-related!
  • Short, recorded composer introduction about the work to use for performances.
  • Package of 3-5 James Webb Telescope images for projection (if requested)

Price: $700

Join the consortium by clicking the button below!
You will be taken to a short registration form, where links to pay via PayPal are provided.
After submitting the form, you will receive an email within two business days confirming your membership.
(Need a different form of payment? No problem! Let us know in the registration form.)

Professional Saxophonist Package

Benefits include:

  • Your name listed as a consortium member in the score.
  • A copy of the piano reduction score with solo part (in PDF format and printed/bound).
  • Exclusive performing rights to the version with piano accompaniment from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2026.
  • Email support for questions about the music.
  • Package of 3-5 James Webb Telescope images for projection (if requested).

Price: $100

Join the consortium by clicking the button below!
You will be taken to a short registration form, where links to pay via PayPal are provided.
After submitting the form, you will receive an email within two business days confirming your membership.
(Need a different form of payment? No problem! Let us know in the registration form.)

Student Saxophonist Package

Benefits include:

  • Your name listed as a consortium member in the score.
  • A copy of the piano reduction score with solo part (in PDF format).
  • Exclusive performing rights to the version with piano accompaniment from May 15, 2024, to May 15, 2026.
  • Email support for questions about the music.
  • Package of 3-5 James Webb Telescope images for projection (if requested).

Price: $50

Join the consortium by clicking the button below!
You will be taken to a short registration form, where links to pay via PayPal are provided.
After submitting the form, you will receive an email within two business days confirming your membership.
(Need a different form of payment? No problem! Let us know in the registration form.)


Have Questions?

Contact Alexandra at alex [at] alexandragardner [dot] net.

Examples of Alexandra’s Music

Tourmaline — soprano saxophone and computer sound


Perseids —wind ensemble


Tides — saxophone quartet and soundtrack