Variations on a Wu-Tang Theme (Patreon)

Variations on a Theme by the Wu Tang Clan

Composed and conducted by Kyle McInnis. Premiered in Fulkerson Recital Hall at Humboldt State University on April 1st, 2016. From the program: Variations on a Theme by the Wu-Tang Clan I – Tiger Style II – Shaolin Style III – Wu-Tang Style Avery Alexander, Flute Rebecca Ramos, Flute Virginia Ryder, Clarinet Marisa Finlayson, Clarinet Geniva Hayden, Clarinet Varak Bosnoian, Bass Clarinet Richard Rios, Alto Saxophone Sabrina Fisher, Alto Saxophone Nicholas Zuniga, Baritone Saxophone Michael Kibbe, Bassoon Dominique Hausler, French Horn Auston Tague, French Horn Nina Pearl, Trumpet Charles McClung, Trumpet Richard Macey III, Euphonium Craig Hull, Trombone Corey Tamondong, Bass Trombone Bret Johnson, Tuba Wesley Singleton, Percussion Tyler Burkhart, Percussion Michael Fabian, Percussion Eric Tolfa, Percussion The inspiration for this piece comes from a multitude of musical influences both old and new. The form upon which the piece is constructed is hundreds of years old, but the thematic material is far more modern. It all started as a crazy idea back in October, when I was searching for a new large ensemble composition to start. I had quickly settled on a Symphonic Band instrumentation, and knew that I wanted to create something in the same style as Variations on a Korean Folk Song by John Barnes Chance, but with more accessible source material. After racking my brain for a while, I realized that I had all the source material I needed in my hip hop records. Months of frenzied transcribing, sketching, and orchestrating has all culminated in this set of continuous variations.