RECESS!!! for Flute, Oboe, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Drum Set, Piano, String Bass
RECESS!!! is a depiction of the sights and sounds of kids at play. This work for nine players is largely programmatic and is divided into nine sections. Each section is preceded by a theme (played by the piano) which acts as a musical narrator.
SUBTITLES - "RECESS!!!", "But first the rules", Basketball, Hopscotch, Tanbark Tantrum, Hide-and-Go-Seek, Tag, Dodgeball, "Clean-up"
SYNOPSIS: The bell rings, a kid yells "Recess!!!" and chaos ensues. A game of basketball begins. A kid weaves and dribbles her way to the hoop. Hopscotch commences (but not everyone is so light on their feet), but is interrupted by the bully, who enters with a menacing fanfare. Will pounding his fists and stomping get the bully what he wants? Scampering and zigzagging can only mean Hide-and-Go-Seek and Tag. Splitting into two groups, the kids bash and pummel each other for an exciting game of dodgeball. Cleaning-up the equipment from each game reminds the kids of the fun they had. Finally, the bell rings and the kids return to their seats, impatient for tomorrow's recess.