Im going to request a music substitution for UIL C/SR and Im about to complete the justification portion of the online application. How do I write this? I know why I would like to perform the work rather than others on the current PML but I'm stuck trying to put the words together in a way that might be convincing to the panel that might review my request.
The work is "Thawing" published in 2025 by Randall Standridge Music. Im not sure when the PML was most recently updated.
Re: Music Substitution
Posted by Really Old Guy on 1/6/2026, 8:47 am, in reply to "Music Substitution"
Here is what I submitted years ago. Hopefully, it can serve as a starting point for your submisson. Good luck!!
I am requesting approval of "Illyrian Dances" by Guy Woolfenden for performance by the Berkner High School Symphonic II Band (AAAAA Non-Varsity "A") at the 2002 UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest. This piece was written and published in 1986 and reissued in 1995.
Woolfenden, who is Head of Music for the Royal Shakespeare Company, wrote this work for the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles and dedicated it to Timothy Reynish. It certainly deserves a place on the UIL list because it is quality music. Very challenging yet very accessible and enjoyable for both listener and performer. Numerous college bands have performed it in the past few years including the University of North Texas, University of North Carolina, University of Kentucky, Brown University, Sam Houston State University and Ithaca College. This is the first time my ensemble has played any of the music of Guy Woolfenden.
I would like to perform this composition for many reasons. It is an opportunity for my band to perform music originally written for the theatre, in this case William Shakespeare's "The Twelfth Night". It provides an opportunity for my students to relate music they are performing to a literary work they have studied in English. It will also allow me to teach my students about incidental music in theatrical productions. To me, all of this allows for increased relevance to my students, which in turn increases involvement.
Another aspect of this piece that sets it apart from so many others is the challenges it will present for my band. Woolfenden manages to feature every section in the band and there are difficult solos throughout including a technical Tuba solo. My band will have to learn to play "dance style" and the textures and the musicality required in the second movement will be a challenge.
