Lackawanna Clifford Spires

In many Native American cultures The River serves as a metaphor for life. The life of a river is expressed in its flow just as our lives are a continuous flow of experiences. Lackawanna is a musical representation of life's journey along the river as it gently flows towards the future. The great mystery occurs when the stream forks and we must choose our path. Ultimately our choices define our unique personal experience and connection with the earth.

The Lackawanna River is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, approximately 35 miles (56 km) long, in northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. It flows through a region of the northern Pocono Mountains that was formerly a historically significant center of anthracite coal mining in the United States. The lower reaches of the river flow through the urbanized areas of Scranton, which grew around its banks in the 19th century as an industrial center. Its name comes from a Lenni Lenape word meaning "stream that forks."

Rehearsal Suggestions:

The music provides an excellent opportunity to focus on the fundamentals of tone production and intonation. A legato style should be used throughout with attention to the specific dynamic undulations. Some flexibility can be given with the treatment and selection of percussion.