Race to the River

Early in 1781, during the American War for Independence, American Maj. General Nathaniel Greene and British Lt. General Lord Cornwallis raced over 250 miles across North Carolina with their armies in an attempt to reach the Dan River. The "Race to the Dan" was a pivotal moment in the war as Nathaniel Greene outmaneuvered Cornwallis to reach the Dan River first and restock his army. This piece allows young string students the opportunity to play music that portrays elements of this historic event. The marching of troops, the skirmishes between the two armies, and the arrival at the river are all described musically.