Where the Red Fern Grows

From Wind Repertory Project
Julie Giroux

Julie Giroux


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General Info

Year: 2016
Duration:
Difficulty: III 1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Music Propria
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

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


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

Where the Red Fern Grows (2016) is a programmatic work based on the book Where the Red Fern Grows, written by Wilson Rawls and published by Double Day in 1961. Julie offers the following about her work:

My fascination with this story goes all the way back to the 5th grade. It is a tragic story; one of great heartbreak, adventure and foremost the passage of a boy into manhood with two dogs, who were his companions. The music stays very close to the major events which happen in the piece. It is a haunting piece with a repetitive theme, which takes place primarily in the melodic percussion along with the piano. That theme represents the two dogs; first as puppies, then as adults, and then finally at the end at their deaths.

The title of the book and this work is based on a folk tale which tells us that red ferns are planted by angels and angels alone. Red ferns grew over the gravesite of our fallen canine companions both in real life and in the book. It is a haunting story indeed but full of hope as well. A special thanks to the Rawls family and Double Day for letting me compose a work based on this classic, unforgettable book.

- Program Note from University of North Texas Symphonic Band concert program, 7 February 2017


Commissioned by the Queen Elizabeth High School Band, Lindsey Kemp, conductor & W.P. Wagner High School Band, Roberta Baril, conductor, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Premiered May, 2016

- Program Note from publisher


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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  • University of North Texas (Denton) University Band (Joel Davidson, conductor) - 29 September 2021
  • University of North Texas (Denton) Symphonic Band (Dennis W. Fisher, conductor) – 7 February 2017


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources