Procession

Procession was inspired by the idea of how people organize and participate in variations of processionals. Whether religious, political, celebratory, in marking achievements, births, deaths, war, or fights for freedom—we create these rituals of synchronized movement and chant to signify change, or a desire to do so. We push on through, push it along, raise our fists and open our hearts to the rhythm. Pride is validated and catharsis is set in motion by a steady march and unwavering calls and shouts. I wanted to capture aspects of that steadiness and relentlessness. The piece is in 5 sections, each exploring a different interpretation of this collective march, or procession, from melodic evocation, to driving militaristic marches and bell choirs, fife and drum calls, and back again. The percussion soloist plays a dual role with their counterparts in the orchestra—sometimes as the leader and sometimes the follower of the call and response themes throughout—demonstrating the unique role percussion can play as both a blending color and the sheer sonic power it has to overtake the orchestra.

I am forever grateful to Cynthia Yeh who urged me to compose this work and has been an extremely patient and thoughtful collaborator as I navigated my first large work for percussion.

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— Jessie Montgomery

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