Split Rock Creek Overture

4:45 - Multi-Level (Grade 1, 2, and 3)

***This song is not meant to be played by a single group***

This multi-level work is built for 3 different age ensembles to play together, it works as an excellent way to highlight a district wide band performance. Originally written for The Brandon Valley School District. Commissioned in recognition of Mr. Del Huber's 40th year of teaching instrumental music, and played as a part of the Brandon Valley School District Band Festival by their elementary, middle and high school bands.

Split Rock Creek Overture is a celebration of the history of the Creek located in South Dakota. Split Rock Creek has gone by many names over the years, the Native Americans referred to it as Eminija, and later as Spirit Canyon. The current name comes from a rock formation on the East side of Split Rock Lake where the formation seems to have been cleanly cut in half. Three major points in the history of Split Rock Creek are highlighted throughout the song. The first section pays homage to the Native American traditions of the Sioux Tribe. The location has a rich history, with a Native American story of two warriors who had a tomahawk duel. After the Tomahawk’s were thrown in the air they landed creating a huge gash that formed Spirit Canyon. The second section is the river itself, with a cascading musical waterfall surrounding a low instrument melody. The final section reflects on the traditional american western history of the location, including the story of Jesse James jumping the creek and hiding from the authorities in Devil’s Gulch. All of these themes come crashing together to celebrate the proud history of this region and the beauty and majesty of Split Rock Creek.

I want this!