Essential Double Bass Drumming Techniques

SKU: CF.YPS228

ISBN 9781491157961. UPC: 680160916566. 9 x 12 inches.

Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you donat have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece wonat suffer if you donat have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments wonat be missed if you donat have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldnat be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that donat have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.
Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don't have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won't suffer if you don't have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won't be missed if you don't have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn't be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don't have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.
Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next.Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don’t have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won’t suffer if you don’t have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won’t be missed if you don’t have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum.Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering.At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn’t be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don’t have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.

SKU: CF.YPS228F

ISBN 9781491157978. UPC: 680160916573. 9 x 12 inches.

Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you donat have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece wonat suffer if you donat have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments wonat be missed if you donat have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldnat be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that donat have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.
Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next. Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don't have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won't suffer if you don't have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won't be missed if you don't have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum. Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering. At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn't be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don't have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.
Ninja is a Grade 2 piece playable by any young band, due to extensive doublings throughout. The mood of the piece is mysterious, reflecting the image of ninjas being seen one moment and gone the next.Flute 3 is not essential as it doubles the oboes, but is useful in case you have a lot of flutes or due to a limited number of oboes. If you don’t have a bass clarinet, baritone saxophone or bassoons, those parts are covered in the low brass. The timpani part is optional, and the piece won’t suffer if you don’t have access to that percussion. The optional F-chime and gong only play in the final measure of the piece. While adding a notable effect at the end, those instruments won’t be missed if you don’t have them available. The tom-tom part can be played on a snare drum with the snares off or may be played on a tenor drum.Care should be taken that accented notes are emphasized, but never become ponderous. The half notes at the beginning of the piece should not be accented. The theme is introduced in the first twelve measures, and at m. 13 many of the instruments trade the melody for half notes and vice-versa. Be careful that the percussion section never becomes overpowering.At m. 25, care should be taken that there is quite a volume difference between ff and mp. Think of this representing the ninjas being seen one moment and being hidden the next. The double staccato figures at m. 33 should not be accented. Trumpets and trombones at m. 37 should not be overly legato, but certainly shouldn’t be treated as staccatos. Being aware of not accenting notes that don’t have accents will make the accents at m. 49 more dramatic. Please note that the legato notes at mm. 58 and 60 are not to be accented.

SKU: CF.CPS244

ISBN 9781491157985. UPC: 680160916580. 9 x 12 inches.

On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Donat be concerned if you donat have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isnat essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isnat critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes donat sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Don't be concerned if you don't have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn't essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn't critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don't sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft.Don’t be concerned if you don’t have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn’t essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn’t critical if you do have those other low woodwinds.The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred.When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39.In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don’t sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows.The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.

SKU: CF.CPS244F

ISBN 9781491157992. UPC: 680160916597. 9 x 12 inches.

On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Donat be concerned if you donat have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isnat essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isnat critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes donat sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Don't be concerned if you don't have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn't essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn't critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don't sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft.Don’t be concerned if you don’t have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn’t essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn’t critical if you do have those other low woodwinds.The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred.When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39.In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don’t sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows.The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.

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.

SKU: KN.09926S

UPC: 822795099263.

Named for a speedy sleigh commonly drawn by three horses in Russia, this exhilarating theme in D will brighten any Christmas or winter program. Though this version includes many double stops in the upper string parts, the arranger says that none of them are mandatory -- only the top note is essential. The optional percussion part for bass drum, triangle, sleigh bells and tambourine will definitely add extra sparkle. Duration 2:30-3:00.