Coat Of Arms

Concert Band Level 3.5

4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 2/2, 6/8, 9/8 Time, Eb major, F Major, Bb Major, G Minor

Coat of Arms is a three movement suite for concert band based on the coat of arms of the city of Guelph, Ontario. Perfect for concerts and competitive festivals, this suite gives everyone in the band a chance to shine!

The first movement, the Axeman, shows the founding of the city with an introductory antiphonal trumpet fanfare, and showcases the ceremonial felling of a tree. The second movement, The Spirit of Royalty, evokes images of a royal palace, featuring chamber-like writing leading to the full band climax. The last movement, The Running Horse, drives to the finish, featuring cluster chords, a moto perpetuo, and dynamically shifting meters.

Coat of Arms features interesting parts for everyone in the band, and was premiered by the three high schools of Guelph, Ontario, with the composer conducting, on March 21, 2025.