River Journeys was commissioned by The Alternative School for Math & Science, Corning, NY.  It is a musical depiction of three rivers, the Cohocton, the Tioga, and the Chemung, which are headwaters to the great Susquehanna River. The serene opening sets the scene where the Tioga and Cohocton rivers are represented by a melody played by solo instruments. The themes become combined, as the rivers are joined, and grow into a full ensemble setting that is broad and majestic as the now Chemung River passes through Corning.

The work moves into a very fast driving rhythmic tempo, with relentless repeated eighth notes, as the Chemung River moves to join the Susquehanna River to continue the journey. The musical elements of this section are all short melodic fragments of each of the river themes that have been rhythmically developed. This driving section has many moods; playful, dangerous, and exciting which features several sections in the ensemble. These sections culminate into a driving full band restatement of the original Cohocton theme in a glorious finish!

Download includes program notes and recording.

Due to the number of parts on the score, the score and worksheet score are formatted for 11“x17” paper.

Rehearsal work score examples (pages 1 & 2)

Sample Worksheet Part