American West Folk Suite

A setting of three classic American folk songs for Wind Band. Transport your audience back to the "Old West" as you journey by covered wagon to join the California Gold Rush, move a herd of cattle over the treacherous plains to new grazing lands, and experience the adventure of early rail commerce. 'Sweet Betsy from Pike' is a comic folk ballad chronicling the trials and triumphs of Betsy, a mid-19th century pioneer woman, as she migrates by covered wagon to the California Gold Rush town of Placerville. The journey across America was full of hardship, peril, and loss. This song addresses the very real struggles of the pioneers with levity and humor. 'Git Along, Little Dogies' is a cowboy ballad, also known as "Whoopie Ti Yi Yo". The term "Dogies" refers to small or orphaned calves. The narrative of the song quotes a cowboy singing to the slow or stray Dogies on a cattle drive as they traverse the open plains to their new Wyoming home. 'Rock Island Line' refers the Rock Island and La Salle Railroad company which pioneered rail travel, connecting Chicago with the Mississippi River. This folk song tells the story of a comical encounter between an operator of a toll gate and a train engineer who cleverly avoids payment by misrepresenting his cargo. Once safely passed the toll booth, he yells back his confession as the train speeds onward.