John O'Reilly

“Hobo Train” reflects on the history of the Original Hobo Band of Pitman, New Jersey with an interesting mix of original material and several railroad songs associated with hobos. Opening with a fanfare based upon “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” a simulated train whistle leads into “The Wabash Cannonball” and “Get on Board.” The flute section is featured in a lyrical setting of “This Train Is Bound for Glory” and the composition ends with a rousing march style arrangement of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” (3:40)

The title Manzanita refers to the flowering shrubs that grow so abundantly in the high desert and mountain regions of Southern California. The composer, John O’Reilly has spent a considerable amount of time in these mountains where he often composes. The opening fanfare and processional of Manzanita was inspired by the beautiful mountains surrounding the San Gorgonio pass near Palm Springs. An enlarged and very prominent percussion section is featured in the exciting Allegro that brings to mind the Native American tribes that were the first inhabitants of this beautiful and exotic region.

Treat your beginners to a fresh sounding original march that will make them shine on their very first concert. All winds play their first six notes taught except for the clarinets who also play their low B. Eighth-notes are carefully presented as pairs of repeating pitches, and the snare drum part is all single strokes playing interesting eighth-note patterns. (1:50)

Correlated with Accent on Achievement, Book 1, page 13.