Blueprint (PDF)

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Blueprint (2020) was commissioned by Fort Dodge Area Symphony Orchestra, Joshua Barlage, Music Director and Conductor, in tribute and recognition of Jerry Sande for his 47 years of service and commitment as Principal Bassoon of our Orchestra. This entire concerto is an homage to Jerry Sande.

The first movement, Build, is a not only a nod to Jerry Sande’s career as an engineer, but also a nod to the balancing act many musicians have to achieve in order to build a stable yet satisfying life. Build starts with the clanging of the anvil, and the energy of a hectic life of reaching deadlines. The movement continues with the fast rhythm passages in the orchestra and bassoon alluding to a busy work life, then transforming into longer lyrical lines in order to demonstrate the creative side of life. Both equally fulfilling, but a balancing act none the less.

In the second movement, Dwell, we move to a more contemplative mood. Jerry enjoyed his garden, time with friends, and traveling. Even though he had these two fulfilling careers, he made time to live in the moment with the people and world around him. But its more than that, with memories come waves of grief - they catch you unexpectedly. Sometimes it comes while remembering good times, but often it feels like it grabs you from nowhere. This movement is dedicated to his family and friends who got to share their life with Jerry.

The final movement, Celebrate, is just that - a celebration of Jerry’s life and how he celebrated life with friends and family. Jerry prepared to perform my orchestra work Ogeechee, and I was told he got a kick out of being the frog that was illustrated in the bassoon part in that work. This movement is built around that theme in the opening solo bassoon statement. To celebrate someone, is to celebrate the tiny moments shared as well as the big ones. Finding joy in the small part of time in a life shared with another. I never got the opportunity to meet Jerry, but its been a pleasure to get to know him through friends and loved ones.

I hope Jerry would have enjoyed working on this piece if given the opportunity. I’m thankful to be given the opportunity to learn about Jerry and get more familiar with the amazing instrument he played. It seems that Jerry had a design on how to live his life and how to contribute to the musical life he left behind, a blueprint.

Instrumenation:
Solo Bassoon
Piccolo
Flutes 1 & 2
Oboes 1 & 2
English Horn
Bb Clarinets 1 & 2
Bass Clarinet
Bassoons 1 & 2
Horns in F 1, 2, 3, 4
Bb Trumpets 1 & 2
Trombones 1 & 2
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion 1 & 2

1: Crash Cymbal
Suspended Cymbal
Maracas
Rachet
Whip
Sleigh Bells
Snare Drum

2: Anvil/Brake Drum
Floor Tom
Woodblock
Maracas
Whip (shared)
Triangle

Harp
Piano
Violins 1 & 2
Viola
Cello
Double Bass