The story of Antamina follows the process of mining and then refining silver, a metaphor for the rehearsal process, where the “raw material” at a first rehearsal is gradually honed into a sparkling, refined performance. The music starts with a murky lugubrious introduction (reflecting dull raw material to be mined), from which the initial motive of the main melody evolves. The piece then takes off in a lively, celebratory vein, with percussion, for added sparkle. Program this piece for an empowering selection your students will love both rehearsing and performing.