Description:

    A deck of cards, a game of chance... The Gambler explores the four different suits both visually and musically through a contemporary lens. Each interpretation of the suit image: clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds, is influenced by the style of the music within each movement.

    Clubs – is represented by the use of Earthy, tribal rhythms, and large pounding drums. The visual imagery of large mallets hitting membrane instruments is an explored motif. Spades – uses metal sounds, sharp/angular movement, long spears, and is very combative. This is a high-energy movement culminating in a percussion feature that ends with a massive battle sequence portrayed with the wind players holding a long spear prop (spade) in their hands. Hearts – is a poignant and moving ballad for the ensemble with possible couples pairing up visually here to represent the heart idea. Diamonds – This short segment culminates in a climax of visual/music “fireworks” as we bring the house down! Maybe everyone in the band has a highly reflective square on their uniform that remains covered until the closer, in addition to guard implements and extra props creating literal diamonds across the field.

    This show was originally commissioned for the fall of 2014 and was released for the 2015 season.

    *Perusal score available upon request