DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS

"THE MYTHS OF FIRE" This year's program explores the different myths about fire and its elements. The music consists of three musical compositions: The Inferno by Robert Smith; Vesuvius by Frank Ticheli; and Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky. These compositions or Myths are woven together throughout the program by a variety of moods, melodic & rhythmic phrases, visual form and movement, color, prop and characterization of myths and character of fire itself. The first myth begins with a solo that signifies a single flame, which connects throughout the program while the Gods of Fire cast off this flame and break out to set off The Inferno. This musical piece presents a variety of moods created throughout with powerful impacts, moving melodic lines and rhythmic complexities. The visual package creates the images of fire through form design and movement, color and sizes of silks, and characterization. The second myth is based on The Mountain of Fire and the home of the Gods known as Vesuvius. Using melodic lines of Dies Irae, the ballad creates an underlying solemn mood of worship by the Gods to their home of the fire. As the myth unfolds, small flames begin to spark out of the mountain which intensifies musically and visually to the eruption of the fire. This piece explores a variety of timbres, rhythmic textures, time and key signatures, which create many ensemble demands. Visually, prop utilization creates the illusion of the Mountain of Fire. The combination of the colored flame props the guard uses to become the character of fire, and the movement of the brass, creates the eruption of the Vesuvius. The last myth begins as a celebration by the Gods, which changes mood quickly through the use of minor modes and syncopated rhythms. This leads to the demise and destruction of the Gods, leaving only a single flame, the return of the soloist, to burn. The Gods of Fire slowly rise from the ashes to life. Musically, this selection represents a variety of emotion as it ties together the Myth of the Life of Fire. Visually, a vast array of marching repertoire and color create these varied emotions.