Declaration Overture

From Wind Repertory Project

Claude T. Smith

Claude T. Smith


General Info

Year: 1976
Duration: c. 4:35
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Claude T. Smith Publications, Inc., through C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts - $85.00   |   Score Only - $12.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I/C Piccolo
Flute II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Composed in the form of a classical overture, Declaration Overture begins at an Andante maestoso tempo and takes its time presenting a strong, five-note theme. The opening is not an introduction, but a complete section in A-B-A form; with the theme first appearing boldly, then lyrically, and returning boldly as it moves to its final cadence.

The overture then launches into a much quicker tempo with series of variations that includes a trumpet solo, a short fughetta, and a percussion feature where the melody is playfully broken into smaller accented fragments. A final statement of the main theme with a descending countermelody brings the work to a culminating flourish.

Declaration Overture continues to be a popular choice as a concert opener and is a regular feature on many state and festival lists. Dedicated to the composer's wife, Maureen, it conveys a sense of strength, devotion, and humor that was unquestionably part of the couple's life togeher. The work is one of the most performed works in the composer's catalog.

- Program Note from publisher


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class CC
  • Arkansas: III
  • Georgia: III
  • Iowa: III
  • Indiana:
    • ISSMA JUNIOR BAND GROUP I
    • ISSMA SENIOR BAND GROUP III
  • Louisiana: II
  • Minnesota: Category 3
  • North Carolina: V
  • New York: IV
  • Ohio: High School Class C
  • Oklahoma: II-A
  • South Carolina: V
  • Texas: III. Complete
  • Virginia: V


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Lee University (Cleveland, Tenn.) Wind Ensemble (Josh Pace, conductor) - 17 February 2026
  • Clovis (Calif.) North Educational Center Symphonic Band (Jose Vargas, conductor) -14 March 2025 (2025 Sutherland Wind Festival (Fresno, Calif.))
  • Tenaha (Tx.) High School Band (Brian Sours, conductor) – 14 February 2025 (2025 TMEA Conference, San Antonio)
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington) Concert Band (Adam P. Miller, conductor) - 24 November 2024
  • Kansas State University Concert Band (Zack Deininger, conductor) - 8 October 2024
  • University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg) Alumni Band (Scott Lubaroff, conductor) — 20 January 2024
  • Rushing Middle School (Prosper, Tx.) Symphonic Winds (Jarrod Dodd, conductor) - 21 December 2023 (2023 Midwest Clinic)
  • Rogers (Ark.) High School Symphonic Band (Patrice Brown, conductor) – 1 May 2021
  • Central Methodist University (Fayette, Mo.) Wind Ensemble (Skip Vandelicht, conductor) - 14 March 2021
  • University of Missouri (Columbia) University Band (Amy M. Knopps, conductor) – 27 February 2020
  • Kent State (Ohio) Symphony Band (Wendy Matthews, conductor) – 28 April 2019
  • Tarleton State University (Stephenville, Tx.) Symphonic Band (Chris Moix, conductor) – 5 March 2019
  • Michigan State University (East Lansing) Campus Band (Arris Golden, conductor) – 19 February 2019
  • South Central High School Symphonic Band (Sarah Harlow, conductor) – 26 November 2018
  • Kent State (Ohio) Communiversity Band (Malcolm Jones, conductor) – 1 May 2018
  • Indiana University (Bloomington) All-Campus Band (Ryan M. Yahl, conductor) – 17 April 2018
  • Berea (Ky.) College Wind Ensemble (James Dreiling, conductor) – 26 October 2017
  • The Ohio State University (Columbus) University Band (Onsby Rose, conductor) – 10 October 2017
  • Cary (N.C.) Town Band (Stuart Holoman, conductor) – 3 July 2017
  • Western Illinois University (Macomb) (Lisa Hallen, conductor) – 28 April 2017
  • Ohio University (Athens) Symphonic Band (Jessica Piso, conductor) – 21 March 2017
  • Shenandoah Conservatory (Winchester, Va.) Concert Band (Alan P. Johnson, conductor) – 13 October 2016
  • Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo.) Honor Band (Curran Prendergast, conductor) – 13 February 2016
  • Kingsburg (Calif.) High School Wind Ensemble (Michael Schofield, conductor) - 17 April 2015 (2015 San Joaquin Valley (Calif.) Concert Band Invitational)
  • Oldham Youth Wind Band (Roger Meaden, conductor) - 12 March 2012
  • Bedford Junior High School (Temperance, Mich.) Symphonic Band (Leonard Salvo, conductor) – 17 December 1976 (1976 Midwest Clinic)


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Perusal score
  • Smith, C. (1976). Declaration Overture: For Concert Band [score]. Wingert-Jones Music: Kansas City, Mo.
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