Gary P. Gilroy

Dances For Sem Yeto

Commissioned and premiered by the Solano County Honor Band Association to commemorate their 50th anniversary with the composer conducting. Mysterious samplings from the percussion section open while an American Indian flute presents the first theme. As with other works by Gilroy, the composition explores an extensive variety of percussion timbres to keep the piece interesting and always changing. After the introduction, the spirit of the work changes to a lively and festive dance with constantly changing meters which makes the piece come alive. This then winds down to an Indian lullaby, the simple and pensive melody providing a relaxing and welcome change before a dramatic a return to the original festive dance with a slightly modified setting. The final moments of the work are quite fierce with bold and intense percussion accompanying tight harmonies and complex rhythms for an exciting and driving ending..