Railroad to Old Kalkaska
CONCERT BAND | 3’ | GRADE 2 | 2020
Live recording coming soon…
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Along my travels in Michigan, Kalkaska often comes to mind. From its flagship Big Trout Fountain, to its quaint downtown, it's always a joy to drive through, or to park and walk around during the beautiful summers we have.
When Craig Chissus asked me to write a piece for his band, I wanted to take a trip to Kalkaska's origins. In my research, I discovered that the founders, A.A. Abbott and R.L. Thompson were sawmill owners and made the most of the arrival of a new railroad. The town and surrounding county was filled with logging and lumber companies, incorporating the railroad to go to/from Kalkaska.
This piece especially leans into the idea of an old-town railroad station — "choo-choo" and all! With a groove that is reminiscent of the rhythmic chopping of wood, alongside driving melodic and percussive figures evocative of a train passing by, the music provides a musical journey in A-B-A form. The lyrical B section includes a melody composed by the commissioning director, Craig Chissus. Every train conductor and sawmill worker needs a moment's rest, after all!
Ultimately, Railroad to Old Kalkaska is an exciting piece, inspired by the sounds and textures of what it might've been like to live in a railroad town, listening to the sounds of the nearby lumber mills at work.
Commissioned and Premiered by the Kalkaska Bands.