Escapades

For Solo Clarinet and Wind Ensemble
Brian Balmages Grade Band 4.5 / Solo 6

Premiered at the 2005 Michigan Music Educators Conference, Escapades was commissioned by the Grand Valley State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Barry D. Martin, with Arthur Campbell as clarinet soloist. Since the premiere, it has been scheduled for additional performances in the United States and abroad.

The piece gets its inspiration from the title, which can be defined as "a usually adventurous action that runs counter to approved or conventional conduct." This piece is a series of changing "escapades" (or variations) which develop and explore different aspects of the opening thematic material. The entire work builds into a free improvisational section before all elements are united in the final presto. (10:00)