Guide, The Noah D. Taylor

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2011
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
English Horn
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Eb Alto Clarinet
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
Horn in F 1
Horn in F 2
Horn in F 3
Horn in F 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Timpani (4)
Percussion 1 (suspended cymbal, snare drum, bell tree)
Percussion 2 (mark tree, bass drum, triangle, suspended cymbal, crash cymbals)
Percussion 3 (3-oct vibraphone, chimes, xylophone, tam-tam)
Percussion 4 (bells, 4-oct marimba)
"The Guide" was written as a commission for the Metropolitan Wind Symphony after Taylor was named winner of the 2005 North American Student Composer Competition held by the group. The Guide was premiered in the May of 2007 by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony at the Lexington Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts.

"The Guide" was written between May and December 2006. The work is dedicated to the idea of those individuals that provide direction and leadership for others. This person can come in a variety of forms, most obviously a guardian or a teacher. However, it is possible that a person's guide may simply be a set of principles and values. After reflecting back on his adulthood, thus far, the composer continually has expresses the importance of not only mentors who have helped shape his path, but the dedication to a certain set of ideals that provide steadfast guidance and direction. An exciting and haunting work, "The Guide" captivates the audience with its lush melodies and rich harmonic texture.