Where No One Has Gone Before for Concert Band

Concert band, Grade 4, 7'30''
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Where No One Has Gone Before was commissioned for the Atlanta Freedom Bands in celebration of their 30th anniversary. The ensemble requested a piece that would fit on a concert themed around outer space. I took the opportunity to write an homage to my favorite science fiction franchise, Star Trek. I have been a steadfast Trekkie since watching the original series reruns as a kid, and have enjoyed every movie and series from Next Generation through Strange New Worlds. I have always appreciated Star Trek’s optimism about humanity and the future, while reflecting current societal issues through the lens of science fiction.
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The piece is based on a 6-note motive that is derived from the original series theme music, specifically the opening horn fanfare. The two main melodies of the piece are composed to feel like theme music to the opening credits of potential Star Trek shows. These two melodies gradually combine and are heard together. The ending attempts to reflect the vast expansiveness of outer space, where no one has gone before.