The purpose of this study was to complete a performance analysis of two recent compositions for young band by John Mackey: Undertow and Xerxes. The performance analysis of each work included program notes, historical and programmatic background material, theoretical analysis, technical considerations for rehearsal and performance, and conducting challenges. Descriptions and analyses serve to support the view that these pieces are high quality and also consider pedagogical issues. Additionally, idiomatic compositional characteristics of the composer were examined, giving insight to the composer’s compositional style.
The methods described in this study were done in a way that could easily be applied to any piece of band literature, yielding a more in-depth musical understanding, and allowing for a basis to determine quality. The results of the analyses have been beneficial in providing a deeper understanding of the pieces, which in turn allows for a better foundation from which to teach – a concept that can be applicable to all music.
Another aspect of this study included the investigation of the commissioning component of band repertoire and how it affects the quality of literature available to younger, less experienced wind bands. Both Undertow and Xerxes were commissioned by public schools, however the limit of technical skills needed to cater to these groups doesn’t seem to affect the quality of the works. Other composers can and have been writing quality pieces for young band in addition to John Mackey, resulting in a significant amount of high quality music that has greatly benefitted the developing musicians in public schools today.