Contraption is a tone poem describing an imaginary machine of great size and power. The word “contraption” is defined as “a device or machine regarded as strange, incomprehensible, or makeshift.” This concept has been applied to the construction of this musical composition. The creation of this piece was accomplished in the same way an inventor might build a physical contraption, in this case limited to three main component “parts” plus an interlude. A very unique and appealing piece!

Contraption is a tone poem that describes an imaginary machine through music. In this case, the machine is one of great size and power. Webster’s definition of the word reads: “a device or machine regarded as strange, incomprehensible, or makeshift.” The idea of applying this concept to the construction of a musical composition was one that intrigued this composer a great deal. The creation of this piece was accomplished much in the same way an inventor might build a physical contraption, resulting in three main “components” with an additional interlude. Instead of a more formal development of these ideas, the final half of the work uses only the available “parts” from the first section with minor alterations. In a sense, the material has been “scavenged” to construct the final portion of the piece. To set the mood, consider reading the following text as the performance begins:

The giant machine lies silent, a dark specter silhouetted against the evening sky. Its massive form seems to reach up and touch the clouds. Atop, a figure can be seen climbing into a seat. After a moment (as the music begins), the great beast roars to life like a mighty dragon startled from sleep, spitting fire and smoke whilst filling the air with the deafening sound of its angry cry. It lurches forward with a groan, somewhat slowly at first, then picking up speed. Its immense wheels shake the ground in all directions as it turns upward, moving steadily away into the approaching night.

I N S T RU M E N TAT I O N
1 — Conductor Score
10 — Flute
2 — Oboe
2 — Bassoon
6 — 1st Bb Clarinet
6 — 2nd Bb Clarinet
1 — Eb Alto Clarinet
2 — Bb Bass Clarinet
2 — 1st Eb Alto Saxophone
2 — 2nd Eb Alto Saxophone
2 — Bb Tenor Saxophone
1 — Eb Baritone Saxophone
4 — 1st Bb Trumpet
4 — 2nd Bb Trumpet
2 — F Horn
3 — 1st Trombone
3 — 2nd Trombone
2 — Euphonium T.C.
2 — Euphonium B.C.
4 — Tuba

Percussion – 7 players:
1 — Xylophone
4 — Percussion 1 (Tenor Drum/
Triangle/Sleigh Bells, Woodblock)
4 — Percussion 2 (Brake Drum/Ratchet,
Cabasa, Bass Drum)
1 — Timpani

WORLD PARTS
Eb Horn
1st Trombone in Bb T.C.
2nd Trombone in Bb T.C.
1st Trombone in Bb B.C.
2nd Trombone in Bb B.C.
Euphonium in Bb B.C.
Tuba in Bb  T.C.
Tuba in Bb B.C.
Tuba in Eb T.C.
Tuba in Eb B.C.