Constellations
Constellations is a 'razzmatazz' showcase for brass band and features not only the soloists, but also entire sections from within the band. The piece was commissioned by Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke Band and the title of course refers to a 'group of stars' such as the band is.
The stellar references extend to the individual titles of the three movements of the piece: Supernova is in a funk style and features the trombones followed by the tenor horns; Stargazing is the slow section which highlights the euphoniums and baritones then the basses; and Big Dipper is the final section in big band style which gives a chance for the cornets and the percussion to shine.