At one time the Red Kite was close to national extinction in the UK, but now it is possible to admire this distinctive bird of prey with its red colouring and forked tail, gracefully soaring through the sky. This solo, composed for Martin Smith, captures that feeling, with the euphonium gliding solitary and effortlessly, occasionally swooping down before reclaiming its high altitude.
 
To create the desired atmosphere, root position chords are kept to a minimum, with added notes enhancing the feeling of floating and giving the harmony subtle colour. The harmonic rhythm is slow, but the movement shifts in the way the Red Kite makes slight changes of direction with minor adjustments of its tail, leaving the soloist free to sing with a sense of grace and freedom above the accompaniment.
 
Duration: Approx. 3.45 minutes
 
Difficulty Level (Band): Easy
Soloist: Medium
 
This PDF download includes the full score and parts. 
 
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or https://satradecentral.org (USA)