Program Notes

In symphonic music, we are often celebrated for portraying the vast array of human emotions.  Composers are lauded if they convey love, passion, fear, dread, anger, rage, pathos, and sorrow in their works.  However, the same cannot be said about humor.  Oftentimes, when humor is the main objective of a work, the piece is written off as “silly,” “not serious,” or as somehow being automatically less worthy of praise than the works that express the other aspects of the human condition.  It’s a stupid idea, but one that has unfortunately taken root in our music culture.

With this in mind, I was delighted beyond belief when Becca Clemens, director of the Margaret B. Pollard 8th Grade Band, contacted me to write a commission for her ensemble’s performance at their state conference.  When I asked if there were any content or stylistic requirements, she had one request:

“It has to have rubber chickens in it.”

I paused.

“I beg your pardon?”

“We want a piece that uses rubber chickens.”

With this in mind, I set out to write the piece you will hear or play shortly.  

The Great Rubber Chicken Galop was written to sound as if it belonged on stage at a vaudeville performance in the 1920s.  The combination of Galop form, ragtime harmonies, and rhythms, as well as the horde of rubber chickens, creates a piece that is just as serious in its crafting and construction as it is unserious in its comedic effect. I hope audiences will be simultaneously wowed by the virtuosity of the players and amused by the presence of squeaking and honking feathered friends.

Lastly, I must admit that I almost fell victim to the very mindset that I described at the beginning of these notes.  After writing the piece, I strongly considered not releasing it.  Several in the composition/music world already view me as a “lesser” composer due to a variety of factors, and I was hesitant to give them more ammunition in this regard.

However, it’s like the old saying goes.

If they can’t take a joke, forget ‘em.

Peace, Love, and Music - Randy Standy

The Great Rubber Chicken Galop was commissioned by Becca Clemens and the Margaret B. Pollard 8th Grade Band.

No rubber chickens were harmed in its creation.

Rehearsal suggestions

-The tempo of this work is critical to its character.  When planning your preparation, make sure to allow time for proper technical development to achieve the written tempos, lest the work come off as “boring.”  Also, please reference ragtime music for style.

-Dynamics should be noticeable and taken to extremes.

-There is a YouTube Video describing how the chickens are to be played.  You can find a link for the video on our website on the product page for this piece or on my YouTube Channel.

-Percussion should be on the higher end of dynamic balance.  Do not hide them.

-Chicken choreography is not required…but it is strongly encouraged.

Digital:$75.00