The Warrior's Path

SKU: CF.BPS147F

ISBN 9781491163832. UPC: 680160922628.

What does the life of a lone warrior look like? What stories does he or she have to tell? This piece for beginning band depicts a lone warrior beginning a journey across an ancient land. This solitary warrior is joined by others on the way, and together they defend those who cannot defend themselves. Each warrior might have a different story and experience, and I would encourage young musicians to create their own through sharing verbally, writing a short story, or even creating a work of art (a picture depicting their warrior or creating a mask their warrior wears might aid in the telling of their warrior’s story).The Warrior’s Path is about one minute and twenty seconds in length, and the technical range (first six notes of the Bb concert scale) should be very comfortable for a student in their second semester of instrumental music instruction. There are some articulations indicated, but overall musicians should strive for a unified even articulation. Throughout the work, the snares should be turned off or directors can choose to substitute with a low concert tom. The piece can be performed with as few as five winds (e.g. Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone) and just four percussion (suggested Bells, Snare, Cymbal and Tambourine).The piece began as a flexible chamber piece during the summer of 2020 but has been reorchestrated for use by a full band in a traditional setting. It is my hope the piece provides a meaningful opportunity for students to tell a story through music and other creative outlets. The piece is dedicated to elementary band directors who have fought for their students and their programs each and every day. In their own way, they have been warriors of a different kind using a baton as their sword and their passion for music education and their students as a shield. Thank you in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you and your ensemble well as you take The Warrior’s Path.