A Southwest Virginia Portrait

Movement 1: Powell Valley Named for Ambrose Powell, who was part of the exploration party headed by Dr. Thomas Walker, Powell Valley is one of the most picturesque locations in Southwest Virginia. Setting between Powell Mountain and Little Stone Mountain, Powell Valley is one of our most cherished locations due to its beauty and views of the surrounding mountains. This movement simply pays tribute to the mountains surrounding the area with quotes from the Carter Family song "My Clinch Mountain Home". The beginning is a celebration of life, transitioning into Sunday morning church and finally an intense tribute to the Valley itself. Movement 2: The Clinch River Beginning around Tazwell, VA, the Clinch River has been an important part of our growth in the area, as well as providing the first settlers of the area with transportation and fishing. The river travels 335 miles through Tazwell, Russell, Wise, Scott, and Lee Counties before crossing the state line into Tennessee and depositing in Norris Lake. This movement follows the river from its humble beginnings in Tazwell County VA, through the rapids and rougher waters of Scott and Lee County, and finally, its triumphant merging with the Powell River and Norris Lakes. Hints of iDown To The River To Prayi can be heard throughout the movement, staking its claim as a place of baptism, referring to the ibaptism spoti found on River Road in Castlewood, VA. Movement 3: High Knob, VA High Knob is the highest point in Southwest Virginia, rising above the valley that is home to Norton, VA, and the composeris home and current town. Rising 4,222 ft above sea level, on a clear day one can observe Tennessee, West Virginia, North, and even South Carolina at the fire tower at the peak above Norton. A festival is held each year at High Knob Lake, celebrating our musical heritage of bluegrass. This movement looks to celebrate that festival with several tunes from the Carter Family, including "The Sunny Side of Life" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken", culminating in a gathering of worship to the song, "The Sweet By And By". Recursions of the theme of worship are prominent in all 3 movements, echoing the strong religious feelings of our area.