Pioneer Trail (Brass Quintet with Optional Percussion), Dr. Daniel Thrower

Composed by Dr. Daniel Thrower. Duration: 6:00. Heart-wrenchingly somber, this six-minute sacred tribute pays homage to the brave pioneers who settled the western United States via the California Trail, Oregon Trail, and Mormon Trail, all of which converge through the state of Nebraska. A consortium of ten quintets throughout the United States performed the work in 2020-21, with the world premiere in Nebraska. Though not technically challenging, this stirring piece requires great maturity in rhythmic accuracy, intonation, phrasing, and a wide dynamic spectrum. The percussion part is optional, though highly recommended. The trumpet parts call for flugelhorns, but trumpets may be used.