Wapawekka (White Sands)

Description

Commissioned by the Saskatchewan Arts Board, this work is subtitled "A Symphonic Rhapsody for Concert Band based on Canadian Indian themes." Wapawekka, in the language of the Cree Indians, means "white sands," and is the name given to a fairly large lake and small mountain range high up in northeastern Saskatchewan. The music is a free form, a symphonic rhapsody, developed from four main themes derived from ancient Cree tribal rhythms and dances.