Music City announces its 2024 production: LEAVE IT AT THE RIVER
"LEAVE IT AT THE RIVER" takes us back to a time of simpler yet profound realities, where a lone wayfaring stranger embarks on a meaningful journey along a scenic river.
The show ingeniously uses rustic piers and meandering ramps over a flowing river to mirror life’s twists and turns. Central to this narrative is the prop of a bucket, symbolizing the burdens we all carry. As performers traverse the stage with these buckets, they visually manifest the weight of these burdens, which are eventually released into the river in a powerful act of cleansing and transformation. The river is more than water; it’s a symbol of time and renewal, carrying away all that weighs down the soul.
The journey starts with the poignant strains of "Wayfaring Stranger" mixed with "Down by the Riverside," setting a tone of solitude and introspection. The intensity builds through "Fire Water Paper" by Goldenthal and "Buckets of Burden" by CJ Barrow, with music that throbs with the heavy beats of endurance and struggle. The emotional release comes with the reflective "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead and the spiritual "Down to the River to Pray," guiding the audience through a beautiful, cathartic release of burdens into the river. The celebration of newfound freedom and beginnings bursts forth in the final segments with "Liquid Spirit" by Gregory Porter and "Riverside Rebirth" by CJ Barrow, elevating spirits with vibrant rhythms and a jubilant climax.
“I am thrilled about the debut of 'LEAVE IT AT THE RIVER' on the field this season. We believe this show will challenge and enrich our members, offering them not only the chance to showcase their talents but also to grow personally and artistically through the story we're telling together,” said program coordinator, Shane Gwaltney. “It's an opportunity to explore themes of struggle, release, and rejuvenation that resonate with all of us, and I couldn't be more excited to see how it uplifts and inspires everyone involved.”
MUSICAL SELECTIONS & INSPIRATION
Wayfaring Stranger by Rhianon Giddens
Down by the Riverside feat. Grandpa Elliott
Fire Water Paper by Elliot Goldenthal
Buckets of Burden by CJ Barrow (original work)
Pyramid Song by Radiohead
Down to the River to Pray by Alison Krauss
Liquid Spirit by Gregory Porter
Riverside Rebirth by CJ Barrow (original work)
The visual narrative captivates the audience from the outset as performers, laden with buckets, navigate the stage, their movements echoing the heaviness of their burdens. This physical portrayal of life’s burdens is vividly illustrated during "Fire Water Paper" and "Buckets of Burden," where the choreography is both precise and expressive. The mood shifts dramatically as performers gracefully empty their burdens into the river during "Pyramid Song" and "Down to the River to Pray," marking a poignant moment of purification and release. The show concludes with an explosion of energy and movement during "Liquid Spirit" and "Riverside Rebirth," where the ensemble celebrates exhilarating freedom from past burdens with exuberant dances and collective joy.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the production that this team has put together. When Shane (Gwaltney) revealed the show to the members during April camp and we saw and heard their reactions, I knew we were going to have something special out on the field”, said corps director Chaz Bledsoe. “It’s something that the members can relate to and it offers a deep subliminal message to literally let go of your burdens and ‘LEAVE IT AT THE RIVER’. In the world we live in today, it’s a great message for all.”
DESIGN & COORDINATION TEAM
Program Coordinator: Shane Gwaltney
Music Coordinator: CJ Barrow
Ensemble Coordinator: Tom Aungst
Percussion Composers/Arrangers: Tom Rarick, Joe Hobbs
Brass Composer/Arranger: Andy Poor
Visual Design: Shane Gwaltney, Jason Palmer, Brandon Smith, Jacob Taylor
Costuming: Tommy Keenum, Synced Up Designs, StayOther
Props: Synced Up Designs
CAPTION HEAD TEAM
Dr. Tom Lukowicz, brass
Jacob Taylor, visual
Chad Schaedler, percussion
Nikki Ross, guard
Nick Mason, audio
Catch Music City’s 2024 production at a city near you! The full tour schedule and up to date performance times can be found on Drum Corps International’s website.
