The Cutting Edge

for wind band

Commissioned by: Riverside Junior High School Symphonic Band (Fishers, IN); Matthew Harrod and Andrew Vial, directors

Work completed: March 2020

Duration: 4’

Grade: 3.5

The Cutting Edge is designed to embody a single concept: “sharp music”. When initially discussing the commission for this piece, Matthew Harrod (Director of Bands at Riverside Junior High School in Fishers, IN) noted that the commissioning ensemble boasts a large brass section and an extended inventory of metallic percussion (both traditional and “found”). We also established early on that this piece needed to stretch the somewhat pedantic mold of middle school band music, featuring fresh harmonic and textural twists while remaining achievable by an advanced young ensemble. These factors led to this idea of “sharp music” - something that cuts and bursts with shining, metallic energy throughout.

This piece is also an homage to Matthew and his program at Riverside. I began my performing career as a percussionist in the RJH Symphonic Band under his baton, and I regularly enjoy the benefits of growing up in such a cutting-edge K-12 arts district. I could easily have paid tribute to this upbringing through a stock celebratory fanfare or moody ballad piece, but that would defeat the spirit of exploring new possibilities, wouldn’t it?

Premiered by the Wauwatosa West High School Band; May 17, 2022; Alex Hunt, conductor