Outbreak (2013)

for solo trumpet and wind ensemble

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OUTBREAK was commissioned by my former trumpet teacher, Mr. John Almeida. Knowing that Mr. Almeida is somewhat of a sci-fi buff, I decided that the piece should relate directly to him and take on that kind of theme. 

 

OUTBREAK depicts the zombie apocalypse. 

 

The slow and eerie introduction portrays the conception of this threatening time, as the zombies are just coming to their new fate. The virtuosic woodwind lines introduce some of the more prominent motifs featured in the work. The bassoon solo beginning in measure 6 should set the tone of the whole composition. The soloist should feel free to exaggerate the character of this line. As the intensity builds, the zombies are becoming fully aware of what they are and begin to pursue what they desire most: humans! I see the section from measures 28-43 as the zombie’s rebirth. The atmospheric woodwind and percussion sounds should only support the brass melody. 

 

The zombies have officially come to at measure 44. While the horn rips are crucial, they are also double in many other lines. The straight muted trumpets should cut through the band! The soprano sax and oboe lines in measure 53 and 59 respectively, should pick up exactly where the solo trumpet left off. 

 

The grooving section beginning at measure 124 depicts a close encounter with the zombies and the 

humans, with the humans staying just out of reach. All of the somewhat sporadic melodic interruptions should fit together as one combined groove assisted by the percussion parts, of which the hi-hat/ kick drum is most important. 

 

The introductory material reprises at measure 202. Feel free to milk the section from 202-9 and the 

molto rit. for all it is worth! The quick intense section is reprised once more before the zombies finally win the six and a half minute battle. 

 

This dark and somewhat satirical piece was an honor and a joy to write for Mr. Almeida.

 

Premiered by John Almeida & the University of Central Florida Wind Ensemble

under the direction of Dr. Scott Tobias.