Mark Williams

Buckeye Pioneers Suite

Buckeye Pioneers Suite was commissioned by the Columbus Symphony Junior Strings, Columbus, Ohio; Dr. Robert Gillespie, conductor. This three-movement work is based entirely upon folk songs from the state of Ohio ('The Buckeye State'). The first movement 'Down the River (Down the O-hi-o)' is a joyful piece in a rollicking 6/8 meter. The second movement, 'Evening by the Campfire,' is a deliberately slowed-down treatment of the old square-dance tune 'The Needle's Eye,' incorporating lush harmonies and voicings. The final movement, 'Barn Dance,' is an old-fashioned hoedown featuring the tunes 'Jingle at the Window,' 'Topsy and Sambo' and 'Turn the Glasses Over. ' The wide variety of musical and playing styles featured in this work makes it an excellent teaching piece for developing string orchestras.