Lonely Travelers

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.