Brace for Impact
Christina Huss
Grade: 1.5
2022
Guest Conducted by Ken Janak
Program Notes:
Brace for Impact is and exciting, up-tempo young band piece designed to take both performer and listener through an unforseen, impending misadventure, in something akin to an encounter in a video game. Featuring a variety of percussion instruments, particularly timpani, mallets, toms and cabasa, I wanted to introduce younger bands to basic syncopated rhythms that would reinforce and expand their rhythmic knowledge, while providing and exciting piece for both audience and listener. Cluster chords, clapping and syncopation, various articulations - young bands are sure to enjoy this lively, animated and rhythmic voyage.
About The Composer:
With a career spanning 35+ years in American music education, Christina M. Huss has taught and conducted bands at both middle school and high school level, most recently as Director of Bands at Valdosta Middle School, where she retired in 2016. Throughout her career, Ms. Huss' bands have performed in multiple venues throughout the Southeastern United States and have consistently received superior ratings in various state and regional events.
Ms. Huss has served in a variety of roles in state music affiliations, and has enjoyed several honors and awards, including Teacher of the Year and STAR Teacher, during her 28 year tenure at Brooks County High School in Quitman, GA. Since retiring, Christina enjoys composing music for band, and continues to teach band part-time at Berrien Middle School in Nashville, GA.
A native of Georgia, Ms. Huss is a founding co-director and conductor of the Azalea Winds Community Band based in Valdosta, GA, where she continues to perform and serve as an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician.