While trav'ling through this world by Andrew Poor (ASCAP) Grade 4

While trav’ling through this world was composed for the South Forsyth High School Wind Ensemble-Reggie Humphrey, Conductor-in honor of their performance at the 2025 Georgia Music Educators Association State In-Serve Conference. Based on the folk tune Wayfaring Stranger, the lyrics center on an individual searching for meaning or purpose. The source material contrasts a minor/major key-center relationship to portray the individual's emotional journey of searching/wandering with their discovery of a greater calling or purpose. The piece begins with sparse melodic fragments foreshadowing themes, some dissonant polychordal harmonies, and a repetitive rhythm, suggesting the forward movement of time and the individual's struggle to find their purpose. Trumpet, flute, oboe, and euphonium soloists present the primary "Wandering" theme over the percussion's ever-present motor rhythms. The first theme resolves into a gentle, deceptive cadence, leading to the second "Purpose" theme presented by the woodwind section and the continued oscillation of the percussion. Following a brief arrival, the music moves into a section of echoes, and three heroic trumpet soloists perform an original theme in canon. This development section portrays the solidarity and strength of the individual--a greater sense of movement toward their more significant purpose. A grand arrival of the "Purpose" theme is the centerpiece of the composition, and the motor rhythm ceases, while in a state of flow, the individual revels in this glorious understanding of a higher calling. A final dramatic conclusion of the "Purpose" theme leads to a fragmentation of the "Wandering" theme and a final unraveling of the themes harkening to the beginning of the work. Utilizing the cyclic form represents the individual's ongoing search and growth- the journey never ends. I selected this hauntingly beautiful folk song as the source material for this composition as a tribute and reflection of the struggles and successes of the students, staff, parents, and their conductor, which led to their performance on this momentous occasion. Notes by the composer

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