SPARKLE

Full orchestra: 2-2-2-2 3-4-3-1, 5-6 perc, harp. bass clar., opt. alto sax, opt. tenor sax

SPARKLE was commissioned by the Martin High School Symphony Orchestra of Arlington, Texas in memory of Jennifer Lemin, who taught orchestra in Arlington for the final 7 years of her career. Mrs. Lemin passed away in early 2017 at age 35 from breast cancer, but her dedication to music and education has left a remarkable legacy within the hearts of the lives she touched. Before each performance she told her students to “go out there… and sparkle!”

SPARKLE is a dazzling overture telling the story of Jennifer’s personality, drive and influence. The explosive opening gives way to a happy, almost giddy main theme, filled with adventure. A lyrical second melody follows closely behind - effervescent at first but then becoming more wistful. Contrasting variations on these two themes build towards a dramatic climax and powerful resolution, finally returning to the original theme with renewed confidence. The final bars feature a quote from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, a favorite of Mrs. Lemin. SPARKLE received its official premiere in December 2017 at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Grade 5.

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