Sandcastles [wind dectet] - PDF FULL SET

Sandcastles

for wind dectet (double wind quintet) & optional percussion

[2022, revised 2025]

E.K.R. Hammell

Commissioned by the Band Room Podcast Consortium Project and premiered by the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble, Dylan Rook Maddix - conductor.

 

SCORE VIDEO (watch & listen - Youtube)

AUDIO ONLY (*with Percussion*)

AUDIO ONLY (*without Percussion*)

PERUSAL SCORE PDF

 

purchase:

-PDF Full Set

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difficulty / grade:

medium-hard

 

duration:

5 mins

 

instrumentation:

Flute 1 . 2 | Oboe 1 . 2 | Clarinet in Bb 1 . 2 (Cl.2 doubles on Bass Clarinet in Bb) | Bassoon 1 . 2 | Horn in F 1 . 2 | Percussion (opt.)*: Glockenspiel, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine, Snare Drum, Triangle

program notes:

Sandcastles is a piece for double wind quintet and optional percussion, commissioned by the Band Room Podcast Consortium Project in late 2022 for premiere performance by the Arizona State University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dylan Maddix. The wind dectet version was revised in 2025 as the composer created a version for full wind band.

At the onset of this project, the only thematic instruction from the lead commissioner on the consortium (Dylan), was that it should somehow fit into the recital theme of “Home.” Knowing firsthand about the awe-inspiring red sandstone formations of both Arizona (where the piece is to be premiered), and Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island (my home province, as well as the Dylan’s), I knew there was a piece of music lurking somewhere in the sands... I never could have predicted how current events would then impact the trajectory of this piece. On Saturday September 24th 2022, the same week I had begun sketching out ideas for this piece in earnest, Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Atlantic Canada. Fiona irreversibly altered the beautiful shoreline landscape of our home province, including the destruction many iconic sandstone formations and picturesque dunes. I knew fairly quickly that this new work was an opportunity for me to draw out the many feelings I was having at the time. As I began to dive into the writing, I eventually honed in on the idea of sandcastles, believing them to be rich with the symbolism I was hoping to explore in the piece. Sandcastles represent a singular moment of innocent youthful escapism — however, due to their fragile, ephemeral nature, they’re destined to last for only a brief window of time. With this piece I aim to provide the listener with a brief escape into a cherished childhood memory, fully embracing the playful innocence that we all work so hard to stamp out of ourselves. I also hope to use this piece as a commemoration of the special places in our lives, and to tackle the heart-aching notion that many memories may never be recreated. Special thanks to each of of our wonderful consortium members who helped support the creation of the original wind dectet version of this work: Arizona State University, Beibei Jia, Murray Lefebvre, Mount Allison University, Ventus Machina, McMaster University, Gillian MacKay, Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra.

Chamber Scores & Parts published by E.K.R. HAMMELL MUSIC are optimized for 8.5x11 (standard US Letter size) printing. RECOMMENDED: Upsizing to (at least 9x12) for both score & parts.  Select “Fit Pages” or “Fit to Printable Area” in your computer’s printing specifications window.

Every attempt is made to create manageable page turns at the end of every part page, with the goal of being equally suited for different reading formats (single-sided printing, double-sided printing, or tablet).

NOTE - Collector Covers (colour) are sent in separate PDFs and may be added to (/merged with) any B&W print score optionally.

IDEAL SCORE PREPARATION (send your chamber ensemble Conductor’s Score PDF to a print shop with the following specifications for best results):

-Fit all pages to 11”x14” 

-double-sided

-Interior pages: B&W on 70lb opaque/matte paper

-No page additions needed

-Coil-bound OR saddle-stitch spine (cheaper)

-Covers (OPTIONAL) : colour on white card stock (Collector Covers can be found as separate 2-page PDF attachments sent with your initial order)