Machines

Solo Percussion and Wind Orchestra

Machines is a work for solo percussion and band written for, and dedicated to, soloist John R. Beck, Marquette Wind Ensemble, and their conductor Dr. Erik Janners.

The title has several reference points. I think my fascination with percussion instruments has existed as long as I remember music being in my life. Perhaps the instrument that always captured my interest the most was the marimba (with which the soloist begins the work) – such a variety of sounds, but to a young boy (and still to this old one!) the resonating tubes, and their similarity to exhaust-pipes, always made me think that it could be part of the most beautiful sounding combustion engine!

And, throughout writing the piece I couldn’t help thinking about the machines that we are surrounded by and the innovations they represent. Evermore thought is put in to how to make our machines less environmentally impactful, and technology developments mean that machines are helping with healthcare, with communication, with learning. But this is balanced with the machines of our time – those at work to destroy and to harm.

Machines seeks to represent the drive of innovation – the positive momentum looking for a better world.

Peter Meechan 2020

Commissioned by Marquette University Wind Ensemble, Erik Janners, John R. Beck and the following consortium partners:

Arizona State University Wind Ensemble – Jason Caslor
Augustana Symphonic Band – James Lambrecht
High Point University Symphonic Band – Brian Meixner
Marquette University Wind Ensemble – Erik Janners
Middle Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble – Reed Thomas
University of Manitoba Wind Ensemble – Jacqueline Dawson
University of Nebraska Kearney Wind Ensemble – Duane Bierman
University of Nebraska Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Karen Fannin
University of North Carolina School of the Arts Wind Ensemble – Mark Norman
University of North Carolina Pembroke Concert Band – Tim Altman
University of San Diego Concert Band – Jeff Malecki
Salt River Brass – Patrick Sheridan
Saskatoon Brass Band – Will Martin
The Honor Winds (Las Vegas) – John Seaton
Virginia Commonwealth University Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Terry Austin
Wake Forest University Wind Ensemble – Kevin Bowen

 

Recording:
University of Nebraska at Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Hannah Weaver, percussion soloist
Karen Fannin, conductor