Terminal Velocity: Bassoon
By Tyler S. Grant
Grade: 2
Item: 98-PC-DB1599_B1
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Description
Take a heart-pounding adventure into the minds of two base jumpers who set a world record before safely landing on the ground. Fantastic musical imagery sets the mood for each section as the piece unfolds, keeping your audience on the edge of their seats. A stellar new work!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Terminal Velocity: Bassoon comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Young Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1599_B1
More about this title
About the Composer: Tyler S. Grant
Tyler S. Grant has established himself as a prolific voice in contemporary concert band and orchestral writing. His compositions appear regularly on honor ensemble programs and consistently land on Editor's and Publisher's Choice lists internationally. His fanfare Panoramic Fanfare won the Dallas Wind Symphony's 2014 composition competition and has since circulated through collegiate and professional ensembles across North America.
Grant's influence extends beyond the concert hall. He has clinicked with over 100 school programs across 15+ states and contributed to Alfred Music's Sound Innovations curriculum series. His mentorship under Brian Balmages shaped his approach to accessible, engaging writing for young and developing ensembles. A University of Alabama graduate in instrumental music education, Grant balances active commissions and annual publications with conducting and clinic work throughout the United States.
Why we love this
Grant understands exactly how to build narrative tension in a Grade 2 piece without overwhelming young players. The programmatic elements (the base jump itself, the adrenaline, the landing) give students a concrete story to inhabit while playing, which transforms what could be generic early-level writing into something memorable. Combined with Grade 2 accessibility and contest viability, this is the kind of work that keeps audiences engaged while honoring what your band can actually execute.
What to expect
Terminal Velocity captures the visceral rush of freefall and the precise control required to land safely. The music swells with breathless momentum, then settles into grounded stability, mirroring the jumpers' journey from sky to solid ground. Grant's orchestration creates vivid imagery without sacrificing clarity.
Who it's for
Grade 2 concert bands seeking repertoire with genuine dramatic appeal rather than purely technical challenge. Directors looking for a contest or festival piece that engages audiences through storytelling while remaining playable by developing ensembles will find this especially valuable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the dynamics across phrase sections to mirror the arc of the jump itself; the early buildup demands restraint so you have room to grow as the action intensifies.
- Balance the thematic material across sections so that no single voice dominates the musical storytelling; ensemble clarity matters more at this grade than soloistic showcase moments.
- Let the rhythm section establish a solid foundation early, then gradually layer complexity as the piece progresses, giving younger players time to settle into their parts before added demands emerge.
- Mark clear visual cues in your score for transitions between sections; young musicians benefit from obvious architectural signposts that align with the programmatic shifts.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert centerpiece where the narrative demands attention and creates natural pacing momentum within a longer program. It also suits contest and festival settings where a clearly programmatic Grade 2 work stands out among more abstract offerings. Consider pairing it with contrasting repertoire to showcase your band's range.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic control and phrase shaping across extended musical ideas
- Section independence while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Reading articulation markings and translating them musically
- Following programmatic cues and conducting gestures that reflect narrative arc