American River Medley: 2nd Percussion
Featuring Shenandoah, The Glendy Burk, and Red River Valley
Traditional American Folk Songs / arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 1
Item: 00-PC-0018871_PC2
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Description
The major rivers which flow through the United States of America have centuries-long been prime vehicles for exploration, trade, inspiration, life, and general enjoyment for millions of people. Folk songs from the mid-nineteenth century chronicle their stories of love and courage, with three of the most beloved of these tunes incorporated into the fabric of this arrangement by Douglas E. Wagner. Opening with a gently flowing treatment of "Shenandoah," also known as "Across the Wide Missouri," the work transitions to a spirited rendition of "The Glendy Burk." A more sedate feeling for "Red River Valley" follows, with "Shenandoah" returning again in the upper winds in direct and effective counterpoint. A rousing coda, based on previously heard musical material, brings to a close this celebration of our most treasured American resources. (2:50)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Concert Band - PerformancePlus+
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PC-0018871_PC2
More about this title
About the Arranger: Douglas E. Wagner
Douglas E. Wagner grew up in Chicago and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music from Butler University. He spent three decades as a high school music director and administrator before committing fully to composition and arrangement work.
Since 1973, Wagner has published more than 3,500 titles across choir, concert band, orchestra, handbell ensemble, organ, piano, and voice. His music has reached audiences through concert halls, broadcasts, and performances worldwide, with over seventeen million copies sold. He currently lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Why we love this
Wagner distills three iconic American river songs into a single, cohesive journey that moves naturally from one tune to the next without feeling rushed or crowded. At Grade 1, the arrangement remains accessible while treating each melody with genuine respect, never simplifying them into unrecognizable fragments. The counterpoint in the final "Shenandoah" section and the energetic coda give young musicians something musically substantive to execute.
What to expect
The piece unfolds like a historical narrative set to water. Opening with gentle, contemplative beauty, it shifts into spirited storytelling before settling into quiet reflection, then builds toward a triumphant affirmation. Throughout, there is a sense of connection to something larger than the moment, rooted in the American landscape itself.
Who it's for
Young concert bands in their first or second year of reading together will find this arrangement ideal. It offers exposure to authentic American folk material while staying within realistic technical demands, making it equally valuable for contests, festivals, or concert programs.
How to get the most out of it
- Let the opening "Shenandoah" establish a clear sense of motion even at a gentle tempo. The flowing quality comes from steady ensemble breath support, not from pushing the tempo forward.
- Highlight the character shift when "The Glendy Burk" enters. This is your moment to bring energy and rhythmic clarity before settling back into the more reserved mood of "Red River Valley."
- Balance the upper woodwind counterpoint against "Shenandoah" carefully in the penultimate section. The returning melody should shine clearly while the secondary line adds depth without overwhelming it.
- Shape the coda with confidence. The recycled material will feel like a natural conclusion only if the band commits fully to the building energy and brings it to a decisive finish.
How to use it
Open a concert with this medley to establish a thematic focus on American heritage and folk tradition. Its moderate length (2:50) makes it an excellent opener that sets a warm, accessible tone before moving into more demanding repertoire. It also pairs naturally with other Wagner arrangements or folk-based concert band works.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legato phrasing across entire phrases
- Balancing melody and accompaniment texture
- Executing counterpoint with clarity and independence
- Transitioning smoothly between distinct musical moods
- Reading and executing simple dynamic shapes that define phrase architecture