Rainmaker

Featuring a strong, driving pulse and folk-inspired melodies, Rainmaker depicts a rain dance - a ritualistic plea for increased rainfall in times of drought. The melodic lines ultimately give way to strong chordal structures meant to represent the arrival of the much-desired rainfall. The piece culminates with a triumphant finish and bringing of rain.

Program Notes

In many societies around the world, a rain dance has served, or serves, civilizations as a plea for increased rainfall in times of drought. Some Native American tribes used rain dances extensively while European examples include the Romanian ceremonies known as paparuda and caloian. These cultures may differ in their heritage, but they share a common history of bringing rain via ritual. Rainmaker suggests such a ritual with a strong, driving rhythmic pulse and folk inspired melodic phrases. These melodic lines ultimately give way to strong chordal structures meant to represent the arrival of the much desired rainfall. Ultimately, the piece culminates with a triumphant finish and the bringing of rain. Rainmaker was originally written for the Memorial Junior School Band (Whippany, NJ) and director Tracy Currie.

Grade Level: 1
Copyright: 2019
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 2:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

Flute
Oboe (opt. Flute 2)
Bassoon (opt.)
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet
F Horn
Trombone
Baritone
TC Baritone
Tuba

Timpani (2 drums)
Bells
Percussion 1 & 2 (Snare Drum, Bass Drum)
Percussion 3 & 4 (Floor Tom, Crash Cymbals, Tambourine)