Appalachian Trail

SKU: CF.BPS118

ISBN 9781491152041. UPC: 680160909544.

Wolverine Trail is a concert march for beginning bands and is rather helpful in introducing beginners to the march form and style. This piece is based in the key of Eb major and uses only the first seven notes taught in most method books. It is also rhythmically accessible to beginners, as simple eighth-note combinations are the most difficult rhythms in this march. The piece follows standard march form except that is does not modulate at the trio section.
When writing this piece, I was thinking of my beginning band students at Polk County Middle School. Our school is located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The mascot of our school is rather fittingly the wolverine; hence, our school is located on the street named “Wolverine Trail.” Learning to be a musician is not an easy trial, as it requires hard work, dedication, and endurance. However, the trail to becoming a musician is full of rewarding and breathtaking experiences. As I wrote this piece, I was inspired by the rugged beauty of our school’s location and also how I am helping my beginner students to start on the trail to becoming mature musicians.Wolverine Trail is a concert march for beginning bands and is rather helpful in introducing beginners to the march form and style. This piece is based in the key of Eb major and uses only the first seven notes taught in most method books. It is also rhythmically accessible to beginners, as simple eighth-note combinations are the most difficult rhythms in this march. The piece follows standard march form except that is does not modulate at the trio section which begins at m. 57. It is my hope that this piece will help you and your beginners start your own musical trailblazing.

SKU: KN.36820

UPC: 822795368208.

Both serenity and eager anticipation of a day on the Appalachian Trail are reflected in this piece. Based on the old Appalachian ballad/fiddle tune Bonny James Campbell, each orchestra section enjoys opportunities to play melodies, rich harmonies, and driving rhythms. Creative doubling and repetition make it approachable, yet appropriately challenging for grade 2 groups. Duration 3:20.

SKU: FJ.FJH2252

ISBN 9781619281110. UPC: 674398233038. English.

The beautiful, hazy-blue mountains, flowing rivers, waterfalls, and magnificent vistas of the Smokies are highlighted in this collection. Some titles are: Deer in the Cove, A Peaceful Mountain Trail, The Newfound Gap, and Smokey Mountain Laurel. Other pieces bring to mind traditional Appalachian music: The Happy Fiddler, Autumn Hoedown, and Old Settlers' Waltz. Most of the nine pieces are three pages.

About FJH Composers in Focus

Composers in Focus is a series of original piano collections celebrating the creative artistry of contemporary composers. It is through the work of these composers that the piano teaching repertoire is enlarged and enhanced.