Category 4 for Concert Band and iPad by Erika Svanoe

Category 4 is a grade 3 piece for concert band that utilizes synthesized sounds available on an iPad with GarageBand. 5'30''
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The title “Category 4” is a way to refer to Hurricane Harvey, classified as a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale. This title also sounded like it might come from a science fiction story about computers and technology, which ties in the synthesized sounds of the tablet. With this title and concept in mind, the composition incorporates several instances of the number 4, including use of 4/4 time, utilizing groups of four notes rhythmically, four notes traveling up melodically, as well as extensive use of the melodic interval of a perfect 4th. Additionally, several of the sounds utilized in the tablet part have water adjacent names such as “fluid motions” and “warming waves” that refer to the flooding that caused so much devastation.
The ending of the piece attempts to end on a note of hope and optimism, reflecting that we can survive and persevere through difficult challenges and come out stronger on the other side.