Racer One Mike D'Ambrosio

The Shoe Tree • Violet Cactus
Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2014
Flute 1 & Piccolo
Flute 2
Oboe 1*
Oboe 2 & English Horn
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
B-flat Clarinet 4
B-flat Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
B-flat Trumpet 4
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Trombone 4
Euphonium 1
Euphonium 2
Tuba 1
Tuba 2
Double Bass
Piano

Timpani (4 drums)
Percussion 1 (chimes, snare drum)
Percussion 2 (marimba, bass drum, suspended cymbal, crotales, xylophone, woodblock)
Percussion 3 (vibraphone, crash cymbals, crotales, suspended cymbal, xylophone)
Racer One was written for and about Murray State University, where I have taught since 2008. The piece was premiered by the Murray State Symphonic Wind Ensemble in April 2013. The titles refer to two important traditions on campus. The Shoe Tree is located on the main Quad and has over fifty mismatched shoes nailed to it. When a couple meets at Murray State then marries, it is good luck for each partner to nail a shoe to the tree. The beginning of that movement (and the piece) places you in the Quad by depicting MSU's hourly carillon bells (authentically tuned, with their resultant tone a major 6th below). The ensuing solo clarinet is directly followed by an intermingling melody and counter-melody that eventually come together. Several times throughout the rest of the piece, the bells on campus are recalled in the distance, a reminder of where it all began.

Whenever the Murray State Racer football team scores a touchdown, the cheerleaders (and others if necessary) clear the surrounding track for the celebratory lap by the thoroughbred racehorse, Racer One. The tradition began in 1976 with a horse named Violet Cactus, who served faithfully for eight years until she passed away. The fanfare second movement attempts to capture the energy and beauty of her galloping. The tradition has continued ever since, usually with a new horse and jockey every year.

The piece was composed and produced with funding from a Professional Development Grant from Murray State's College of Humanities and Fine Arts.