In 2003, I was invited to perform on a live-to-air broadcast for ABC Radio in Canberra. Spying an opportunity to create some new music, and also recognising the need for more unaccompanied solos for Piccolo, I set about writing myself a short solo to perform. After deciding on Rondo form for the structure, the part I struggled with most was finding a creative title which best the character of the piece.
The day of the broadcast I still had no idea what to call it, so it was agreed on air that I would play it, and anyone who was tuning in was welcome to title it for me. As it turned out, a listener rang in and said that it sounded like snowboarding. Done!
There are some definite nods to Shostakovich throughout this energetic piece. Additionally, there are some imaginative explorations of tremolo, finger snaps, harmonics, flutter tonguing, and silence for the performer to experiment with. Ultimately, an effective performance will create momentum through a careful observance of the tempi and lyrical playing.
“Snowboarding” was recently performed by the Ukrainian Piccolo player, Danets Hanna in June, 2021.
