Hidden Characters

Year

Duration

Grade

Preview

F o r C o n c e r t B a n d

2026

Here

3:30

Media

Audio Demo

Purchase

PDF Score and Parts: $75

PDF Conductor's Score: $25

Program Note

In some video games, you become introduced to the concept of "hidden characters." You have your list of playable characters, then the ones that appear as a shadow, hidden from you until you unlock them by completing certain tasks within the game. Once unlccked, the experience of the game becomes much more expansive. Sometimes, you are able to play in a way in which you do not expect from the game itself, and it is the most fun thing ever in my opinion.

Now, to relate things back to us, do we feel as though we hide ourselves from others? Do we hide from ourselves? Are we at all "hidden characters" to the people around us? If som we are usually unlocked by others "playing the game for a bit longer." Why must we stay hidden in the first place? Is the game as fun that way? Anyways, I'm just pondering. This piece before you explores this theme. Most of this piece sits in stillness, shrouded in mystery and very slow moving harmonies. The piece soon "unlocks" itself in a grand showing of explosive emotion. We see the full reveal of the hidden character.

Instrumentation

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet 1, Clarinet 2, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone,

Trumpet 1, Trumpet 2, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba,

Glockenspiel, Tom-toms, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam/Triangle, Sleigh Bells/Crash Cymbals

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