Appalachian Air

From the warmth of the opening chords in Appalachian Air you begin to sense the breadth of this impressive piece. Based on The Poor Wayfaring Stranger, the first half is poignant and touching followed by a surprisingly exuberant and uplifting second half. The fresh scoring and imaginative rhythmic interplay creates an exceptional artistic work.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 2 | Duration: 4:00

Instrumentation
Flute 1/2
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1/2
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Horn in F 1/2
Horn in F 3/4
Bb Trumpet 1/2
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 [2 players] (snare drum, bass drum, sleigh bells/tambourine)
Percussion 2 (suspended cymbal)
Percussion 3 (chimes, bells)

Program Notes
Appalachian Air is based on the classic folk tune The Poor Wayfaring Stranger. With roots from an old irish melody, this song was passed on by word of mouth throughout the Appalachian Mountains for many years. The message carried by the song is a powerful one - although life may be full of woe and sorrow now, there is hope for salvation and a much brighter tomorrow.