The National Band Association is pleased to announce that Gradients by Andrew David Perkins is the winning composition of the 2018 NBA/Alfred Young Band Composition Contest. Mr. Perkins says the following about his piece:
“In physics, gradients can describe an increase or decrease in the magnitude of a property (e.g., temperature, pressure, or concentration) observed in passing from one point or moment to another. In mathematics, the gradient is a synonym for slope. It points in the direction of the greatest rate of increase of a function, and its magnitude is the slope of the graph in that direction. Gradients for Concert Band is a synthesis of these ideas, designed for developing musicians. The gradient concept is expressed through dynamics, cluster chords (including a simple 4 mallet marimba part) and extensive use of the melodic minor scale.”
To learn more about Gradients and composer Andrew David Perkins, visit his website at www.andrewdavidperkins.com.