JAPAN AND THE OLD MAN

Commissioned by the Sing Me a Story Composition Project

for narrator & orchestra | 8’ | 2022

Instrumentation - Narrator | Flute I-II | Clarinet I-III | Bassoon | Trumpet | Tenor Trombone | Bass Trombone | Tuba | Percussion | Strings

Premiered in May 2022 by the Addison Trail High School

Difficulty

Intermediate

Program Note

JAPAN AND THE OLD MAN was an opportunity graciously provided to the composer to adapt a wonderful story - "Japan and the Old Man" - into an orchestral work by the Sing Me a Story Composition Project. The work is performed with a theatrical voice narrating the story along with the orchestra, and offers many sweet and memorable melodic moments that serve to support this fantastic tale. The story follows sister and brother duo Evie and Caleb, with Puppy the golden retriever stuffed animal, and their grand journey through the magic portal under their home to Japan. They discover a mysterious old man, and his importance to their journey unfolds in a tale about acceptance, forgiveness, and...riding cows on the countryside!

See the original story here.

Please consider donating to the SMAS Jukebox Campaign for this piece! All proceeds go to the ALS Association and the Sing Me a Story Project, which allows for even more children’s stories to be heard.

Any funds from the purchase of this score will also be fully donated to the ALS Association.