Life's Railway

From Wind Repertory Project
Randall Standridge

Randall Standridge


Subtitle: Three Faces of an American Hero


General Info

Year: 2018
Duration: c. 6:45
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Randall Standridge
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $100.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Hi-Hat
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Wind Chimes
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

In the spring of 2018, I was contacted by Sean Carrier, band director at Fort Smith Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas, about creating a work in honor of their school’s principal, Mr. Wayne Haver. Mr. Carrier excitedly described Mr. Haver’s character, his career, and his impact on the band program, the school, and the community of Fort Smith. He also described Mr. Haver’s Army career, his love of playing the harmonica, and his fondness for the school’s fight song, The Wabash Cannonball.

With all of this information at my disposal, the piece began to take shape. Educators are often the unsung heroes of the American landscape, and I wanted to create a portrait of the various aspects of this man who, through his service to his country and community, has more than earned that title.

Life’s Railway: Three Faces of an American Hero is a triptych, with each section dedicated to a different part of Mr. Haver’s life and personality. The opening fanfare honors his military career. The second section, based on the hymn Life’s Railway to Heaven (and with a few touches of Amazing Grace as well) highlights his faith; the saxophone choir that begins this segment is written in tight harmony to mimic the sound of the harmonica. The final section is a raucous, bluegrass-inspired dance based on The Wabash Cannonball, acknowledging Mr. Haver’s strong enthusiasm for his school and students.

In my mind, heroes are those that have a positive impact on those around them. They need not be famous or achieve any type of celebrity. To Mr. Haver and all of the educators across the world, know that you are always a hero to someone, and I salute you.

- Program Note by composer


Media

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Southside High School (Fort Smith, Ark.) Wind Symphony (Sean Carrier, conductor) – 24 April 2018 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Randall Standridge, personal correspondence, April 2018
  • Sean Carrier, personal correspondence, April 2018
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