DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS PERFORMANCE PORTFOLIO ...

does not take long before the work starts to take shape, especially with the composer
in attendance. After each rehearsal composer and conductor would spend many hours
discussing the performance and any amendments that might be necessary to improve
the score. This proved most successful over the course of the various rehearsals.
Ellerby spent much time listening to the band both on previous recordings and in
public performance to fully understand its strengths and weaknesses, and the result of
this erudite research is a truly unique piece written for a very specific group of
musicians.
The first movement, 'Dawn Watch', is structured around the Bugle call of the I st
Battalion Coldstream Guards! The call is played antiphonally using four buglers. It
was decided that to create the right effect and space between the calls, the Buglers
should be placed in different locations in the concert hall. The opening, on percussion,
gives a feeling of a gentle wind and mist at the break of day before birdcalls can be
heard sounded by piccolo, flute and oboe, followed by the introduction of the Bugle
calls.
The second Movement, 'Westminster Chimes', is based on the chimes of Big
Ben and has a feeling ofjoy and happiness
throughout. The meter changes
rapidly
between Y and T, whilst the music flows with vitality and energy throughout the
movement towards a rousing conclusion.
The third movement 'A Dream of Two', is subtitled 'A Song for London' and
was especially written for Lance Corporal James Scott, the band's vocalist. The
movement is a gentle play on the well know folk song 'London Bridge is Falling
Down' and aptly suites the vocal timbre of James Scott.
1 Bugle calls of the British Army
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