Madonna of the Western Trail

Description

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Xylophone, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Temple Block — Composing this piece was an interesting process. A piece of a melody or an idea takes shape, and after writing it down, it’s like planting a seed that starts to grow and develop. I got a snippet of a "western" idea and then thought of a monument in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia.xa0 The statue is called "Madonna of the Trail." The history part of this piece started to take shape as I researched this statue. There are twelve of them located in twelve states where the Old Trail Road, or National Road, passes through.xa0 As the piece developed, I started to think about the travel of a pioneer woman and her family passing through various areas of our early country.xa0 The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast "National" road was realized in the early 1900s but was based on six trails that date back to the 1700s. After developing the introduction and theme to this concert band piece, the story began to take shape.xa0 The slower 3/4 section melody hints at Greensleeves (What Child Is This) which appropriately weaves itself into the mix.xa0 Finally heading further west into New Mexico, Arizona, and California, the melody takes on a Spanish flavor and returns to the main theme before its conclusion.xa0 Divisi parts that are optional can be utilized to add a richer sound. Feel free to experiment with octave changes in the woodwinds in the fuller sections, if students are comfortable playing up an octave. Always be aware of the musicality, blend, and especially legato playing when required. Inspired by 12 monuments of the same name which exist along the Old Trail Road or National Road, this piece evolves as you follow the path of a traveling pioneer woman and her family. Featuring an expressive middle section inside two faster Spanish-influenced sections, this concert opener or contest and festival selection also features a short trumpet solo. Use this to teach about ABA compositional form or as an interdisciplinary lesson on the American West.

Preview Pages