Flaming Arrow

Flaming Arrow is written for beginning band, and uses only the first six notes learned in most beginning band methods: Bb to G. The piece is cast in C minor; consequently, an alternate trombone part is provided that does not reach out to sixth position. Beginning with mysterious opening material that is used later in the work, the piece then moves to an aggressive up-tempo section with lots of percussion. This is followed by a return of the slow opening material and a gradual accelerando with the sound of tom-toms. The piece ends with a short coda for an energetic conclusion.