Concert Band - Level 2 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.778226
Composed by John McAllister. Contemporary,Folk,Instructional,Standards. Score and parts. 52 pages. John McAllister #6665567. Published by John McAllister (A0.778226).
Pitt Street Bridge was commissioned by the Moultrie Middle School Band to be premiered at the 2020 SCMEA Conference. The remains of the Pitt Street Bridge lie in the Intercoastal Waterway and in what is now called Pickett Bridge Recreation Area. It is within walking distance from the middle school, and it is an integral part of Mt. Pleasant’s history. Originally designed as a trolley bridge that connected Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant, Pitt Street Bridge is now a haven for recreation and relaxation. The lively melodies throughout the piece depict the festive activities that take place on Pitt Street Bridge.
The piece opens as though one is standing on the Pitt Street Bridge, gazing out at the immensely beautiful surroundings. Slow and serene as the sun blankets the harbor and the marsh. The bridge has a tremendous history, dating back to the revolutionary war, which is where the melody begins. Deconstructed from part of Sir Peter Parker, a song about the Battle of Sullivan’s Island. A distant memory, this melody will find itself in many ways throughout (three notes rising diatonically followed by a falling 3rd).
The woodwinds pattern in the opening (which also appears throughout), represents the ripples in the water, flowing gently back and forth. The military past of the bridge is hinted at in two ways. The snare in the opening, reminiscent of the rudimental style and several harmonies throughout that hint at an Americana style. As the piece picks up tempo, the hustle and bustle of 1920s Charleston comes to life. Harmonically, everything is still built off of the foundation of the original tune, but now we’re in bright and joyous times and people are transported to and from the island in the Roarin’ 20s. The optimism abounds until the climax of the piece as the bridge (musically speaking), fades into the past. At the finale, one is standing on the bridge with the distant melody still played on the flute.
