COMPOSER : Alex McGee

Skomer Island, situated off the Pembrokeshire coast is a haven for a wide variety of marine life, notably sea birds.

Puffins, gannets and shearwaters congregate in vast numbers over the cliffs while on land the Skomer Vole is unique to the island.

At sea, porpoise, grey seals and dolphins abound, often putting on spectacular displays for visitors lucky enough to see them at play.

This work tries to encapsulate some of the ebullience that the wildlife displays. As the work begins picture yourself as a bird, perhaps one of the kestrels that nest there hovering over the teeming mass of sea birds below, seeing puffins bobbing along, gannets diving for fish and gulls soaring on the breeze.

Next, with a change of time signature, we dive below the surface, swimming along side playful seals and dolphins before leaping from the water full of the joys of life.

However, the music takes us to a more brutal reality, the plight of such island idylls across the world. The music encourages you to reflect on the fragility of nature, and on the damage we are doing to these precious environments.

Following this reflection, we are once again uplifted, with the composer taking inspiration from natures ability to overcome all we have thrown in her way and survive.

Note to the conductor re percussion

The glockenspiel part is optional and can be played in place of the vibraphone where one is unavailable.

The timpanist will require four drums for the performance and adequate time is given for changes throughout.

Suitable for Most Bands - Duration 4'.00" (Approx.)