Paceline is a 4-minute show piece designed to feature the virtuosic range and skills of a trombone soloist while accompanied by developing musicians in a scholastic ensemble.
The opening of the work is a “warm-up” of sorts – introducing basic rhythms and ideas which are tossed back-and-forth between the band and soloist. As the piece develops, the rhythms and melodic motives become more complex while also settling into a steady groove that propels the soloist and ensemble forward. Sudden bursts from the ensemble represent the shifting of gears as the road becomes unsettling through many inclines, bends, and other obstacles. In short, the work encompasses the physical challenges of riding the paceline while also portraying the euphoria and thrill that comes from this intense activity.
Paceline was commissioned by Jon Whitaker and a consortium of bands from all over the United States.
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