Concert Band

Guardians of the Waves

Philip Sparke

Grade 3.5 | 4 Mins

Guardians of the Waves was commissioned by the Japan Coast Guard Band to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. They gave the premiere as part of a 30th anniversary concert on November 8th that year.

Set in traditional march form, Guardians of the Waves opens with a short introduction, which leads to the main theme, played initially by the brass and then repeated with a florid woodwind descant. The theme is extended and morphs into a second theme, first played tutti and then quietly repeated by bassoon, tenor sax and euphonium. This leads to a conventional ‘bass strain’, played twice with varying accompaniments. A quieter trio section follows, delicately scored and featuring the tenor instruments of the band. Taken up by the full band, this leads back to a recall of the introduction and a return to the main two themes, which lead to a triumphal close.