Donald Grantham’s Symphony for winds and percussion : a description of compositional techniques

Abstract

Since 1950, there has been a significant increase in the amount of quality literature for wind band. This increase has led to multiple scholarly writings and analysis of many of these works, allowing for a significant reference for study. While this increase has been a valuable asset to our profession, multiple works from 2008-2011 have yet to be analyzed or researched. This paper will use a qualitative research approach to discuss the various compositional techniques used by Donald Grantham in his 2009 composition, Symphony for Winds and Percussion. The content will include a biographical background of the composer followed by the various compositional techniques used throughout the piece.