Speaking Together

SKU: HL.14033723

ISBN 9788759891322. Danish.

Together Apart/Apart Together for Saxophone, Accordion and Double Bass was composed by Karsten Fundal in 2004. Written for and commissioned by Poing. Programme note: This piece is the 3rd in a row of pieces, which concentrates on a rhythmical relationship that continues to puzzle me. It is actually two relationships embedded. The 1st is a pattern that is very inspired by the composer Per Norgard, who in the beginning of the 90's got very preoccupied with the idea that you can have rhythms that never meet. This happens if you start a rhythm, like a quintuplet, on the beat and one, like a triplet, off beat. This can, with different rhythms, give very intricate interwoven patterns, that gives the illusion that they are not cyclic. In my case I use the two ratio five to seven, in the described way. This rythms have the strange property that if you take each 5th note of the seven and each 7 note of the five you get a ratio almost identical: 49:50. This is very intriguing, as you can use the possibility of letting them be equal or the possibility of letting them interfere. In the first case you get an interlocking rhythm which is smooth: an equal rhythmic pattern. In the second case you get a similar situation, but where one of them is one short after 50 of the other ones, which results in a disturbing almost equality, but not quite. Therefore the title: because when I use the unequal rhythm I put the two layers in a similar tone register, or a similar way of playing, and when I use the equal one I put them a part tone wise speaking. This is a very technical description, but it is very hard to put it in more wide terms, but you might compare it with driving in a train and looking at two fence rows behind each other: if the poles are placed exactly halfway between each other you will experience an illusion of a fast jump if there is enough distance between them, as a result of the perspective. If they are placed in a way that there are almost the same numbers of poles, like 49:50, you will experience a very complex pattern, which seems unpredictable. But of course when using it in music the whole thing is somewhat different, but even then it gives an idea of my preoccupation. What also intrigues me is that the relations are very hard to use in a musical way, and that is also quire a challenge.' Finally I have to say that I enjoyed very much writing for Poing, as these crazy guys are capable of doing almost anything you want in an nearly literal sense. - Karsten Fundal summer 2004.

SKU: SU.50028890

Violin, Piano Duration: c. 10' Composed: 1976 Published by: Seesaw Music.

SKU: SS.50028890

SKU: HL.363741

ISBN 9781705132388. UPC: 840126956351. 6.0x9.0x0.389 inches.

Get just what you need to play Taylor's greatest hits on guitar! This third edition features 44 tunes with complete lyrics, chord symbols, and guitar chord diagrams from Taylor's country as well as pop career. Includes: Back to December • Blank Space • Cardigan • Exile • Fifteen • I Knew You Were Trouble • Love Story • ME! • Mean • No Body, No Crime • Picture to Burn • Red • Shake It Off • Teardrops on My Guitar • We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together • Wildest Dreams • You Belong with Me • and more.

SKU: HL.14042638

ISBN 9781847729965.

F or the first time, this pocket-sized collection brings together all the big songs by The Jam and The Style Council alongside classics from Paul Weller's acclaimed solo albums.

78 classics are presented in chordsongbook format with chord symbols, guitar chord boxes and complete lyrics, this is the ultimate Paul Weller songbook!

SKU: BA.BA10688

ISBN 9790006566051. 30 x 23 cm inches. Preface: Sassmannshaus, Egon / Sassmannshaus, Kurt.

The Sassmannshaus “Early Start” string methods cultivate playing together as early as possible, initially in duets. However playing in larger mixed ensembles is also encouraged and this tried-and-trusted edition for strings provides the perfect start for this. The first songs can all be performed in canon; each piece is notated in violin, viola and bass clef so that all three string instruments can play together in any number and combination. The collection then continues with through-composed pieces by such composers as Johann Valentin Rathgeber and Johann Joseph Fux. Here the middle part may optionally be performed by a viola or second violin.

About Baerenreiter's Sassmannshaus

Children playfully learn reliable technique at the earliest age. For more than three decades the Sassmannshaus Tradition has been the household name for excellence in beginner methods in German-speaking countries. More than half a million students have successfully learned to play using this publication.

Thi s tried and tested German method is now available in English! The best-selling method that gave generations of European musicians their foundation is now available in English, with content and songs newly adapted for today's English speaking children.

What makes this method so special?

• The child-friendly and age-appropriate text underlying the music enables children to perceive melodies as a whole and to understand their singable qualities.
• Songs and scales in different positions are easily explained and mastered within the first year. This is an important advantage over methods that confine children to the first position for many years.
• Note reading is emphasized from the first lesson - children are brought up to become proficient sight-readers and play in chamber music ensembles as early as possible.
• In contrast to other beginner methods, The Sassmannshaus Tradition progresses swiftly by introducing advanced techniques in rudimentary form, such as shifting and varied bow strokes.
• Ensemble playing is encouraged from the very beginning.
• The method is suitable for single instruction as well as for group and class lessons.
• The large print notes and text as well as many colorful illustrations are particularly child-friendly and very attractive to pre-school children and school children alike.
• The substantial volumes contain comprehensive material and carefully calibrated learning curves. They keep children curious and interested for many months and years.

SKU: HP.9174

UPC: 763628191740. Allen Pote.

A Musical for Young Voices - The Story of the Tower of Babel Leading to Pentecost In Genesis 11 and Acts 2 we read about two events where languages helped fulfill God's purpose. When the people of Babel built the tower, they were led by the human spirit and ended up in confusion, scattered over the earth, speaking different languages. At Pentecost, people from many nations, speaking different languages, were led by the Holy Spirit; and even in their diversity, they were united. This 35-minute musical for young voices (Unison w/opt. Two-Part) links together these Old Testament and New Testament stories with songs, humor and heart. The message is, if we follow the Great Commandments - ?loving God and loving our neighbors, no matter how different from us they are or what language they speak - we will surely be filled with the Holy Spirit. A score with piano accompaniment and a singers edition without the piano part are both included for the one price. You may make as many copies as you require for use by your choir. Separate audio MP3s and instrumental parts are available, and there is a video of the debut performance on the Hope YouTube channel.

SKU: HP.9171

UPC: 763628191719. Allen Pote.

A Musical for Young Voices - The Story of the Tower of Babel Leading to Pentecost In Genesis 11 and Acts 2 we read about two events where languages helped fulfill God's purpose. When the people of Babel built the tower, they were led by the human spirit and ended up in confusion, scattered over the earth, speaking different languages. At Pentecost, people from many nations, speaking different languages, were led by the Holy Spirit; and even in their diversity, they were united. This 35-minute musical for young voices (Unison w/opt. Two-Part) links together these Old Testament and New Testament stories with songs, humor and heart. The message is, if we follow the Great Commandments - ?loving God and loving our neighbors, no matter how different from us they are or what language they speak - we will surely be filled with the Holy Spirit. A score with piano accompaniment and a singers edition without the piano part are both included for the one price. You may make as many copies as you require for use by your choir. Separate audio MP3s and instrumental parts are available, and there is a video of the debut performance on the Hope YouTube channel.

SKU: GI.G-9700

ISBN 9781622773930.

Sant o, Santo, Santo / Holy, Holy, Holy equips Spanish-speaking and English-speaking Christians to sing together in congregations and parishes, seminaries and schools, care facilities and homes, offering communities a comprehensive collection of songs that span the full range of worship elements, occasions, and pastoral and theological themes. A symbol of unity of the church, this hymnal assists leaders in finding beautifully crafted translations of songs they already know and love, and in discovering compelling new songs from a variety of cultures and Christian traditions.

SKU: CF.CM9583

ISBN 9781491154052. UPC: 680160912551. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: Eb major. English. Thomas Moore (1779-1852).

Thomas Moore (17791852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Filld with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasures dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musics breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendships balmy words may feign, Loves are even more false than they; Oh! tis only musics strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779a1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music a Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fillad with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasureas dream is gone, Its memory lives in Musicas breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendshipas balmy words may feign, Loveas are even more false than they; Oh! atis only musicas strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song. We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life? On Music - Thomas Moore When through life unblest we rove, Losing all that made life dear, Should some notes we used to love, In days of boyhood, meet our ear, Oh! how welcome breathes the strain! Wakening thoughts that long have slept, Kindling former smiles again In faded eyes that long have wept. Like the gale, that sighs along Beds of oriental flowers, Is the grateful breath of song, That once was heard in happier hours. Fill'd with balm the gale sighs on, Though the flowers have sunk in death; So, when pleasure's dream is gone, Its memory lives in Music's breath. Music, oh, how faint, how weak, Language fades before thy spell! Why should Feeling ever speak, When thou canst breathe her soul so well? Friendship's balmy words may feign, Love's are even more false than they; Oh! 'tis only music's strain Can sweetly soothe, and not betray. Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.
Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. In his poem, On Music, Moore emphasizes the power that music has in our lives and the ability it has to evoke memories and feelings from the past. Music transcends that which can be spoken or felt. The beauty of making music together is to establish meaningful connections with others and to share a common language through song.We are reminded, however, that relationships with each other can be fluid or unstable, but as the words of the poem remind us, music will not betray. No matter the experiences that we face, the relationships that we foster, or the memories that we create, music will always be there for us in times of need and in times of celebration. What does music mean to you? How does it enrich your life?On Music – Thomas MooreWhen through life unblest we rove,Losing all that made life dear,Should some notes we used to love,In days of boyhood, meet our ear,Oh! how welcome breathes the strain!Wakening thoughts that long have slept,Kindling former smiles againIn faded eyes that long have wept.Like the gale, that sighs alongBeds of oriental flowers,Is the grateful breath of song,That once was heard in happier hours.Fill’d with balm the gale sighs on,Though the flowers have sunk in death;So, when pleasure’s dream is gone,Its memory lives in Music’s breath.Music, oh, how faint, how weak,Language fades before thy spell!Why should Feeling ever speak,When thou canst breathe her soul so well?Friendship’s balmy words may feign,Love’s are even more false than they;Oh! ’tis only music’s strainCan sweetly soothe, and not betray.Note to the performer: Liberty can be taken with the tempo markings and rubato should be used throughout in order to further stress the beauty and significance of the text. With its vocal-like descant, the flute should be treated as an additional voice rather than mere accompaniment to enhance the texture of the piece.

SKU: CF.YPS249F

ISBN 9781491161883. UPC: 680160920563.

By Lantern's Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild's goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia's music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.
By Lantern's Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild's goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia's music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.
By Lantern’s Light is a medley of Persian folk songs. The songs come from a collection for voice and piano by Clair Fairchild in his Twelve Persian Folk Songs published by Novello and Company, London, 1904. Fairchild’s goal was to capture the spirit and ambiance of Persia’s music and musicians. Fairchild took special care to preserve their authenticity by limiting western harmony. Such is also the case in this setting for concert band. Special attention should be given to replicate songlike phrasing of the melodic lines and the rhythmic integrity and style of the accompaniment. Conductors are encouraged to take liberties with dynamics and articulations to help performers play expressively. There are many inflections that exist beyond what is printed on the page. For example, the reeds might subtly shape the rhythmic accompaniment in m. 6-7, as might the trumpets with the melody in m. 18. In. m. 23, the wind musicians other than the trumpets are a part of the rhythm section with the percussion. These rhythms should fit together nicely to create a steady cadence. The melodic statements beginning at m. 35 should be carefully balanced to speak evenly throughout the various voices. If an oboist is not available, the solo in m. 57 has been cued in the alto saxophone.

SKU: CF.YPS231

ISBN 9781491157831. UPC: 680160916436. 9 x 12 inches.

The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk songa900 Milesaand they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.
The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song--900 Miles--and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.
The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song—900 Miles—and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience.While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region.The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.

SKU: CF.YPS231F

ISBN 9781491157824. UPC: 680160916429. 9 x 12 inches.

The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk songa900 Milesaand they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.
The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song--900 Miles--and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience. While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region. The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.
The life of railroad worker in the early days of expansion was lonely, and the need for music to bolster spirits was of great importance. The character singing 900 Miles is looking forward to being reunited with his family after being separated from them for considerable time. The Wayfaring Stranger is a prominent American folk and gospel song that reflects upon the journey through life. The character in that song contemplates better times with their family in the afterlife. Both of these songs speak to the idea of searching for something beyond the current situation in which that person finds themselves. The programmatic qualities of the work are essentially tied to the main folk song—900 Miles—and they evoke the idea of where the song found its origins. Beyond that, both songs connect each of us to the sense of belonging and family that are the human experience.While the music paints a picture of someone who is alone, that is not a feeling I want for any young student in our schools today. Band is one of the few places where students can discover that sense of belonging and find a surrogate family. While band is a family that might not always get along, they can reach a shared goal through diligent work, caring and encouragement. It was a pleasure completing Lonely Travelers for longtime friend, superb musician, excellent educator and dedicated leader in music education Dennis Emert. His students debuted the work at the 2020 PMEA State Conference. I am deeply appreciative of Dennis and the friendship, encouragement and perspective he shared with me over the years teaching in the same region.The opening flute, clarinet and alto saxophone part can be performed by the entire section or as a solo at the discretion of the director. The washboard and spoon part can be doubled as players allow. I would suggest bringing these students to the front of the stage to get the sound of both instruments to the audience. As the piece develops and Wayfaring Stranger is layered with 900 Miles, please remind your ensemble to play so they can hear each other, not so they are individually heard. I thank you and your ensemble in advance as you begin this journey together in search of Lonely Travelers.