Description
Program Note
Mighty Mac is about the Mackinaw Bridge, which connects the Lower and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan. Finished in 1957, the bridge has a total length of over 26,000 feet and is among the longest bridges in the world. In my experience, the bridge seems to come with its own climate, and the weather of the Lower Peninsula is often different than that of the bridge or the Upper Peninsula. In particular, thick fog, harsh winds, and snowstorms can make the experience of crossing quite precarious. Once the journey across has begun, there is no stopping or turning around; one must finish crossing. Mighty Mac imagines a most treacherous trip across the bridge, with wind, fog, and an impending blizzard challenging the traveler at every moment. Pushing through the danger, drivers must outrace the storm that chases them to reach safety on the other side. Mighty Mac was commissioned by Amy Clegg and the high school band at Cedarville High School in Cedarville, Michigan.
Instrumentation
Flute
Clarinet in B♭ 1, 2
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in B♭ (doubles on guiro)
Horn in F
Trombone
Percussion (timpani, marimba, triangle)
