American Riversongs Analysis

Phase 1 - Macro

American Riversongs, A Folksong Setting for Band, steps back in time to explore a historical era when rivers were the primary source of transit and trade. Written in 1988, this piece includes themes from four folk songs from this era.
The first featured is "Down The River", a song about traveling on the Ohio River. The second, Shenandoah, includes a free and flowing melody. La Plante's setting is very close to the original, which holds sweet and mysterious characteristics. The third incorporated piece is The Glendy Burk, originally written in the mid-1800s, is introduced here in the piccolo, flute and tambourine parts. La Plante, sets the final theme, a Creole bamboula folk tune with origins in the early 1800s Louisiana Delta region, to a dance beat in three.
Having retired after 30 years as band and choir director for public schools in the Pecatonica school region in Wisconsin, La Plante has composed over a dozen pieces for concert band and two pieces for string orchestra. Originally from Milwaukee, La Plante earned his Bachelor of Music and Master's of Music degrees from The University of Wisconsin. He, along with his wife and daughters, still reside in the school district in which he taught.

Phase 2 - Micro

Intro mm. 1-11

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
An anacrusis on the V chord starts the piece in Bb major. Almost all of the ensemble resolves on the first beat to the tonic chord where the picc, flute, clarinets and first trumpet start the melody. This melody starts on a high D and then falls to an F. It then goes back up to a high D at mm. 7 before cadencing on the tonic chord at mm. 10.

Rhythmic Content -
The piece starts in a 6/8 meter with quarter note to eighth note to three eight groupings.

Considerations -
The adjectives Bright and Spirited are printed clearly at the start. Dynamic markings are written for a reason. Marcattos should be emphasized to give the intro a bounce and a light feeling.

The "Down the River" A Section

First subsection mm.12-20

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The melody starts again on a high D on a major I chord (Bb). The melody drops in thirds on each beat before the phrase ends on a F as the 5th of the tonic chord. The melodic phrase is repeated again and then we hit a repeat sign.

Rhythmic Content - In the melodic line we have another quarter note to eighth note, quarter note to eighth note, then triple eighth to quarter to eighth note phrasing. The cadence occurs on a dotted quarter tied to a quarter. The supporting bass lines are staccato quarter notes on the downbeat.

Considerations -
The staccato downbeats in the bass need to bounce. Also mind the dynamic marking as they relate to the number of repeats. Lastly, the pick-up notes should flow into the downbeat at the beginning of the phrases.

Second subsection mm. 21 to 36

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The melody stays in the picc, flute and clarinet, with chordal harmonization in the cornets. The melody flows upward, following the scale, each measure, starting on a high F. The soft beat triple eighth note of each measure jumps a third, dip as scale degree and returns. Once the melody reaches a high D, it repeats starting on the F again. There is a slight cadence on the tonic chord at mm. 28, before the phrase is repeated. During the next phrase the bass line switches from marcatto marked slurred Fs to eighth note, eighth rest, eighth note beats with staccato markings.

Rhythmic Content -
The same rhythmic theme is used, however each quarter to eighth note beat is followed by three eighth notes.(The tubas remain playing staccato quarter notes on the beat throughout the section)

Considerations -
The repeated dynamic changes like the one around mm. 29 (Cadence on a forte, brought down to a mezzopiano)

Transition mm. 36-46

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
Here we transition out of the first theme using a two part round. The melody comes in on a unison high Bb emphasizing the I chord. In the second measure of the phrase we have an accidental of a Ab, harmonizing a minor v chord, before returning to the I chord. The alto sax and french horns exit the round first at mm. 40, the picc, flute and clarinets exit the round at mm. 42, leaving the trumpets, trombones and tenor saxophone to finish the found at mm.46.

Rhythmic Content - Again we have quarter note to eighth note groupings followed by three eighth notes.

Considerations - Marcatto accents should dictate articulation while students should pay attention to balance

The "Down By The River" B Section

First Subsection mm. 47-55

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The eighth note run as a pick-up into the phrase leads us to a triple F in the picc and flute (quickly coming down the octave to the double F) while the clarinet and alto sax provide the harmonic support. Again, we have upward motion following the scale pattern on the first beat of each measure, a twice repeated 'mini-phrase' inside of the eight bar phrase that cadences on the I chord.

Rhythmic Content -
Again, we have quarter to eighth to triple eighth note figures, cadencing on a dotted half note.

Considerations - The dynamic contrast between the anacrusis and the melody line.

Second Subsection mm.56-71

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
We have a new melody here starting on the tonic and dropping to the 4th degree via scale-ular motion over 2 measures, ending on IV chord. Then we start on the 2nd scale degree and drop to the 5th via scale-ular motion. The first 'mini-phrase' is then restated (again headed to the 4th scale degree) before ending by rising from 5th scale degree back to the tonic in scale motion. We end the completed phrase having tonicized the I chord.

Rhythmic Content -
Still in a 6/8 meter, using quarter to eighth note beats with triple eighth note groupings.

Considerations -
Two crescendos starting at mp and growing to forte define each phrase. The tuba needs to stay 'bouncy' with staccato quarter notes on the beat.

Transition Between Themes mm. 72 -75

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The flute, oboe and 1st clarinet take the melody here, with the oboe taking a solo starting on the new tonic of Eb. In the second measure the flutes start on the 4th scale degree and fall to the tonic in a single measure before rising back to the 2nd scale degree, harmonized by the minor ii chord leading to the 3rd scale degree, harmonized by the minor iii chord. A single alto sax and a single horn play a brief soli part into the next section. There is no countermelody or baseline during this transition.

Rhythmic Content -
We have slowed to Molto moderato and switched to a 3/4 time signature. The solo in the oboe and the soli sections for the alto sax and french horns should be played with confidence.

The 'Shenandoah' A Section

The First Subsection mm. 76-88

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
Now in Eb, the trumpet now has a solo melody with support from flutes, clarinets, french horns, tenor and bari sax and the tuba, all playing 2 beat block chords slurred together. Harmonically, the block chords flow from the I to the IV to the V and back to the I, while the flute line moves downward and the clarinets move in neighbor motion. The trumpet introduces the melody with a pick up on the 5th scale degree giving gravity and leading to the tonic. From here the solo arpeggiates the I chord by playing the tonic, 3rd and 5th scale degrees at the start of each measure (with a brief return to the 3/4 meter in-between). The horns play a counter melody with the tenor sax.
In mm. 85 to mm. 88 the flutes and alto saxes repeat the trumpet melody.

Rhythmic Content -
We are now in a 4/4 meter. The harmonic support plays 2 note block chords for two measures before we return to a single 3/4 meter with quarter note block chords. Then we return and remain in 4/4. We have reduced tempo to Moderato.

Considerations -
This section should be played in a different style, focusing less on the 'bouncy' feel and transitioning into a more legato style. Solos should be played expressively, crescendoing to the end of the phrase to give the melody motion.

The Second Subsection mm. 89- 107

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
Here the bass takes plays the same melody from the previous section while the 'treble' instruments give the supporting harmonization. Another 'echoey' two part round (just like Section 1's melody had an echo) allows the flutes, clarinets, and trumpets to take the melody being echoed by the trombones, tenor sax. At measure 95 a transition is played, harmonized by the I chord leading to the V and then back to the I. The 4 bar phrase (including the echoed melody) is again repeated until a brief transitional phrase starting at measure 103. In this transition the first trumpet and flute move on the beat in upward scale-ular motion, echoed by the trombones. We cadence on the tonic before the next section.

Rhythmic Content -
The melody figure is a pickup quarter note into a dotted eighth note to sixteenth followed by quarter note followed by an eighth note run leading to a half note.
The meter changes to 4/4, with a brief measure of 3/4 at mm. 91.
Upon exiting the section we have a brief transition that includes a brief 2/4 measure.

Consideration -
The 'echo' of the melody should be faintly heard and played in style. Students should get used to the meter changes, and the chordal balance should sound cohesive.

The Glendy Burk Section

The First Subsection - The Introduction - mm. 106-119

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
We have now shifted to F Major. The entire ensemble prolongs the vii chord except the trumpets who tonicaize the F Maj. with jubilant, accented, muted and separated eighth notes. At mm. 115 the band plays a small portion of the melody to come, foreshadowing the next section. We cadence on the new tonic chord at mm. 118.

Rhythmic Content -
We start the new section in 2/4 at a quick and jumpy tempo. The prolonged vii chord is sustained while the trumpets start a pointed eighth to sixteenth rest to sixteenth to eighth to eighth tied to a half note. The separate between these notes is stressed, as it give the melody a fanfare feeling. At mm. 115 the flutes, clarinets and alto sax take over the melody and the same rhythmic idea is used.

Consideration -
The trumpets should separate each note and clearly articulate the phrase. Breathing may be an issue for sustained notes, so assigning students when to trade off breathes might be appropriate.

The Second Subsection - "Brass Band" - mm. 120-128

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The picc and trumpet have the melody here, while the horns and trombones define the harmonic structure in the upbeats. The melody starts with an anacrusis leading to the tonic. The melody moves upward by eighth note for 4 measures. The first phrase cadences on the V while the second cadences on the I chord. These phrases are repeated. The second trumpet plays a countermelody with similar rhythms but contrary motion.

Rhythmic Content -
Still in 2/4, the horns and trombones keep the upbeat (lightly) while the tuba and baritone define the downbeats.

Consideration -
Students should take note that during the second repeat the dynamic changes from piano to forte. Also, separation between notes is still crucial at this point.

The Third Section - mm.129-137

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
Here we have a brief and thunderous transition between the exchange a melodic voices. The melody, given to the flutes, oboes, clarinets, alto saxes and first trumpet and trombones, is similar to the previous phrase, however slightly different. We are tonicizing F maj, starting on the 5th scale degree and ending on the third scale degree. There is still a quick, light feel to line.
The harmonic lines are in the saxophones and trombones. At the end of the phrase we cadence on a I chord.

Rhythmic Content -
We are still in 2/4. The melody line is slightly different from before. We have two dotted eighth to sixteenth note groupings followed by an eighth, a quarter on the upbeat, and another eighth. Again we have a dotted eighth to sixteenth grouping followed by two eighth notes leading to the dotted half to finish the phrase.
The next phrase in the section is extremely similar to the melodic phrase in the trumpets from the last section.

Consideration -
This should be played loudly and with authority. The entire ensemble is playing together here, so unison playing, separation of notes, articulation and rhythmic precision need to be stressed.

The Fourth Section - mm.138-153

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
This section is a repetition of the second section's melodic line, with some alterations. Instead of the trumpets, La Plante uses the clarinet and flute, giving the countermelody to the tenor sax while the tuba bounces back and forth between the tonic and the 5th scale degree beneath it. During the second repetition of the melody in this section, we do not do as we did in the previous section and repeat it verbatim, but instead climb from the tonic up to the octave tonic, again coming to the V chord in mm. 149, before repeating the same melodic content and cadencing on the I chord in mm. 153. The trumpets now join (at mm. 149) to play the countermelody.

Rhythmic Content -
Exactly the same as section two, except now we have a tambourine highlighting the upbeat.

Consideration - Trumpets may need a reminder to have their straight mutes ready. This section should be light and breezy. Somewhat soft.

The Fifth Section - mm.154-164

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
We start mm. 154 one the I chord (still in F Maj) with the melody in the flutes and the clarinets. Instead of an echo, we now have a call and response type action between the flutes/ clarinets and the trumpets. We have an accidental of a sharp second scale degree acting as a leading neighbor tone to the tonic. At mm. 157 the melody dips in a downward motion to F maj chord, while the trombones rise to meet the new transitional material. The second beat of mm. 162 holds a V7 chord that resolves to the I chord at a cadence.

Rhythmic Content -
Our new grouping are similar in style, yet slightly different than the previous rhythms. A dotted eighth followed by a sixteenth followed by two eighth notes leading to a quarter note. During the second phrase we have marcatto markings above a sixteenth to eighth note to sixteenth note to double eighth note groupings.

Considerations -
Again, dynamic contrast plays a large part here, as well as marcatto articulation. Trumpets should ensure they have a straight mute, while saxes and horns should pay attention to the sfp dynamic markings.

The Sixth Section - mm. 165-180

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
Here the piccolo has the solo melody. Softly, the melody starts on the fifth scale degree and drops to the 3rd scale degree, then first, then the sixth then back to the fifth, 3rd, tonic, continues dropping to the 5th until we resolve back to the I chord at mm. 172. At mm. 173 the tuba joins with the counter melody while the horns prolong the 5th scale degree. The previous picc material is repeated and we cadence on the I chord just as the tuba reverts back to the bouncing quarter notes of the tonic and fifth scale degree under it. The tubas continue in this fashion at mm. 181, while the trumpets join in with the countermelody and flutes, picc and clarinet take the same melodic line as before, moving to the V chord and then back to the I. We have a weak cadence on the F maj in mm. 188 and a weak cadence at mm. 196, again on the tonic.

Rhythmic Content -
Our rhythmic groupings in the melody are the same here as they were in the previous section. The horns hold for several beats while the tubas play short eighth notes.

Considerations -
The picc is completely naked here, which requires a strong and confident approach. It may be easy at this point to let the tempo die slightly, however it needs that bounciness to keep its momentum.

The Seventh Section - mm. 196-214

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The entire ensemble is called to play at mm. 196, where the melody is still in the flutes, clarinets and oboes. Now we have the alto and tenor sax, as well as the trombones, baritone and tuba playing the countermelody while the trumpets keep the upbeat. 196 starts off on high D, the third of the IV chord, then briefly (as a passing chord) touches the V/IV and then briefly to the IV then to the V chord before repeating the phrase.
In mm. 205 there is a weak cadence on the ii chord (G minor). We have another brief phrase that moves from the I chord (with melody in the flutes, clarinets, and first trumpet and counter melody in the tenor sax and 3rd trumpet with supporting structure from the trombones, 2nd trumpet, tuba and alto sax) to a cadence on V.

Rhythmic Content -
While the alto sax, tenor sax, trombones and tuba play accented eighth notes, it is important to notate that the tambourine has joined the melody line to play the 'sixteenth to eighth to sixteenth to eighth to eighth' grouping. This is the same grouping we saw in the last sectionThis is repeated until mm. 204, when we revert back to the 'dotted eighth to sixteenth to eighth to eighth to eighth to quarter to eighth and repeat' grouping. This is the same grouping we saw in the fifth section.

Considerations -
This is the second time we have seen a double forte marking, so make it matter! There is a poco ritard in mm. 208. The accent marks change from marcatto to a pizacatto marking.

The Eighth Section - mm. 215-235

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
The melody in the piccolo matches the previous melodies in rhythm and range. At mm. 215 only the clarinets, tenor sax, and bassoon are supporting the melody. This support comes in the form of a I chord, neighboring or passing motion to the V chord. After further prolongation of the I chord the melody moves to the alto saxes in mm 219. At mm. 224 we find a pick-up to the melody from the second section in the piccolo with an echo in the clarinets and bassoons.

Rhythmic Content -
We see the same figures in the melody and now we see it in the timpani. Meanwhile the tuba, horns, and clarinets hold long continuous notes.

Consideration -
It is important to note the softness of the prolonged continuousos (marked at pp). Several neighbor tones are also outside of the key, so accidentals should be taken into account.

The Coda - mm. 236-249

Melodic and Harmonic Content -
We will finish the piece still in F Major. During this finale we start with the original theme from section two in a similar round structure. We start the round with the piccolos, flutes, oboes and clarinets, and then are joined by the trumpets, then by the saxophones and the horns, and finally by the trombones, bassoons, bari sax and tubas. The melody climbs to a high F and darts back and forth from the 5th scale degree to the high tonic. At mm. 245 we have a cadence on the I chord that is prolonged via the V and then back to the I.

Rhythmic Content-
We see here the same structure as we saw in the second section, the sixteenth eighth sixteenth eighth eighth groupings. This time, the rhythm is put off by staggered eighth notes before we return to the main theme rhythm.

Considerations-
The cymbal solo at the end needs to be loud and confident, while the rest of the ensemble needs to build to a resounding and final double fortissimo.

Other pieces for the Program

Three Songs of Colonial America - Leroy Jackson

This piece would help create the cohesive theme for the performance evening. A step back into American history through band music might create a general sense of understanding for the listener and even the performer.
The piece is from the late 30s and shows a different era in American history. It is of similar difficulty to American Riversongs, yet focuses on different aspects of musicianship.

Air for Band - Frank Erickson

This piece contrasts American Riversong, as it is much slower and require a more elegant touch. Composed by Frank Erickson in 1966, this piece was designed for younger students to expand their repertoire. Erickson was both a teacher and worked at a publisher, eventually starting his own publication company. The piece also contrasts American Riversongs as it is mostly in the minor. They are similar in the sense that they have the same instrumentation and are about the same difficulty.

American Folk Rhapsody No.1 - Clare Grundman

Keeping in line with historical American band pieces, this composition covers the era of the 1940s and has several popular themes that some students may not be aware they have heard before. Clare was born and raised outside of Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio State with a degree in music education and later his MA. He then moved to New York to work alongside Paul Hindemith (best known for the Hindemith Sonata).
The piece itself is comprised of My LIttle Mohee (more commonly referred to as On Top Of Old Smokey), Shantyman's Life, Sourwood Mountain and Sweet Betsy from Pike. Although many arraignments call for strings, I would use just the concert band score, as to stick with the same instrumentation.