Scott Watson

The skill and thrill of auto racing is captured musically in this piece via its infectious groove and exciting syncopations. Written in one continuous movement, its sections will help you imagine sitting behind the wheel of a powerful and agile racing machine over the course of a breathtaking speed contest. Students performing this piece will enjoy discovering that the palindromic nature of the piece, including the title, “Race Car” (which reads the same forwards and backwards), a pervasive syncopated ostinato rhythm, A-B-A form, and a fugato section at the center of the work (Pit Stop), in which virtually each instrumental part is a palindrome! (3:25)

The golden age of comic books comes to life in this action-packed tune, taking its inspiration from those iconic, super-powered champions of justice, the super heroes! Mirroring the shape of a classic super hero story, the piece begins with a powerful main theme and is followed by a brief contrasting section expressing resolve. A determined return to the hero theme includes some harmonic surprises! (1:40)

Tu Ungane (Swahili, pronounced TOO une-GAH-nay) means “Let’s join together” and refers both to musicians coming together to play as well as African and Western styles merging musically. Western musical styles such as Gospel, Blues, and Jazz owe much to African influence. African music has been influenced by the West as well, fusing British military and brass band music, along with the hymns and songs of missionaries from Europe and the United States, with tribal folk elements. Tu Ungane explores this musical cross-pollination incorporating the Tanzanian folk song “Asali Ya Nyuki” (“Honey of Bees”) and original musical material in the style of the British-African fusion.