Message from Arecibo
​for symphonic band

Commissioned by the 2023 Rocky Mountain Commissioning Project
​Alan W. Mills, consortium head
Join the Consortium Here! (Google Form link, opens new window)

Program Notes

​From 1963 until 2020, the Arecibo Radio Telescope in Puerto Rico was one of the largest and most powerful astronomical instruments every created. While primarily used for receiving cosmic waves, in 1974 it instead broadcast a message to the globular star cluster M13 in the hope of communicating with an extraterrestrial intelligence. The message, coded in binary, described the atomic elements and formulas for DNA as well as graphic representations of the solar system, a double helix, a human figure, and the Arecibo telescope. Sadly, due to increasingly powerful Atlantic hurricanes, the telescope failed catastrophically in December 2020 with no plans for restoration. My composition, therefore, will be a remembrance of the Arecibo telescope and the spirit of discovery, hope, and loss that it represents. Opening with a simple repeating progression, the grand scope of the device is slowly revealed as a powerful arrival is heard in the full ensemble. This will then be followed by a depiction of the 1974 message at a faster tempo and involving aleatoric techniques and curated improvisation from the musicians based on data found in the message. The message will build in energy leading to a triumphant cadence which slowly subsides and recalls the tranquil opening as Arecibo fades into memory.

Commission Details

  • Grade 4 - duration ca. 7 minutes
  • Instrumentation: 
    • Picc., 2 Fl., Ob., 3 Bb Cl., B. Cl, Bsn., Cb. Cl. (opt.), AATB Sax.
    • 3 Bb Tpt., 2 F Hn., 2 Tbn., B. Tbn., Euph., Tuba
    • Timpani + 5 percussion
  • All consortium members will receive the following benefits:
    • Bound 11x17 score with personal inscription of conductor's name and institution
    • Parts delivered via PDF files, unlimited reproduction for home institution
    • Composer will be available for up to two hours of rehearsal interaction via live attendance, streaming video, and/or written commentary on recordings.
    • Composer will attend consortium premieres based on availability and travel funding

Previous Works for Band

Flying Jewels (2021) - Commissioned by the US Air Force Band
Urban Light (2021) - Commissioned by the National Band Association
With Soul Serene (2018) - Winner, NBA Merrill Jones Award; Finalist, ABA Ostwald Award
Ghosts of the Old Year (2016) - Finalist, NBA Revelli and ABA Ostwald Awards