Threads of Gold

Program Notes

Threads of Gold is centered around the idea of golden hour — that moment when the light shifts and the world feels different. Colors soften, edges blur, and even familiar places feel warmer and more alive. I’ve always been drawn to how subtle that change is, and how powerful it can feel.

This piece connects closely to my own life. Recently, I’ve found a sense of stability that I didn’t have before, and with it came a feeling of warmth and clarity. Being with someone who brings joy and ease into my life has changed how everything around me feels — brighter, calmer, more grounded.

Musically, I tried to reflect that through the way individual lines move and interact. The “threads” of the piece begin independently, then gradually weave together, supporting one another and forming warm harmonies. As the music grows, those lines become more connected, creating something fuller and more expressive — a reflection of light, connection, and quiet happiness.

- Brandon Cummings

Instrumentation

Chimes

Bells

Vibraphone 1

Vibraphone 2

Vibraphone 3 (optional)

Xylophone & Crotales (bow)

Marimba 1 (4.3 octave)

Marimba 2 (4.5 octave) & Theremin (or alternate instrument that can pitch bend)

Marimba 3 (5.0 octave)

Marimba 4 (5.0 octave)

Marimba 5 (4.3 octave) (optional)

Timpani (4 drums)

Percussion 1 - Impact Bass Drum, Splash Cymbal, China Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal

Percussion 2 - 4 Toms, Ride Cymbal, Splash Cymbal, Triangle, Gong, Concert Bass Drum (shared

with Perc. 3)

Percussion 3 - Suspended Cymbal, Sizzle Cymbal, Propane Tank/Metallic snare sound, Wind

Chimes, Garden Weasel, Concert Bass Drum (shared with Perc. 2)

Performances

Aledo High School Percussion Ensemble, Scott Stephens, conductor - Texas Music Educators Association (Selected Percussion Ensemble) - 2/13/2026