Marshall's Civic Band

Donated to Marshall's Band by J.D. Parr of the Baker University band.  Concert 
notes on folder: 
 
  In these vibrant variations the creative imagination of Harry Simeone is 
applied to the matter of exploring the musical resources of an old Ozark 
fiddlin' tune - "Arkansas Traveler." 
  Quite logically the setting is in the hay barn where all square dances were 
called prior to the mass migration of partners and sets to the "big city."  The 
opening phrase of the theme is stated first by the trombones and then by the 
woodwinds against a contrapuntal conglomerate of instrumental imitations of 
sounds from the nearby barnyard - sounds of chickens, cows, horses, roosters and 
pigs. 
  The novel introduction is followed by a straightforward statement of the 
entire theme in traditional concert fashion.  In this statement and subsequent 
ones Mr. Simeone demonstrates how readily the theme lends itself to successive 
treatment as a sweet tune, a Music Hall opus, and a boogie bounce; each of these 
episodes is made more interesting by the injection of melodic and harmonic 
variations.  After the boogie movement the return to the introduction provides a 
background for the introduction of canonic imitation.  The final statement in 
strength leads into the developement, recapitulation, climax and ending - all in 
the style of the overture. 
  The bandsmen are given an opportunity to try their hands at some of the tricks 
used often by professionals - the "horse-neigh" on the trumpet, the "cow-moo" on 
the trombone, the "chicken-cackle" on the clarinet.  Producing these imitations 
will require considerable "woodshedding", particularly on the part of younger 
players.  In this connection it is emphasized that the effort should be 
concentrated on producing the desired effect rather than on playing a particular 
note on the instrument.