Mill and the Train, The

Commissioned in 2010 by the students of the Clements Orchestras, this work celebrates the history of Sugar Land, Texas. The Mill theme in the opening section features rich blues-based harmonies and flowing lyrical lines to represent the rural industry of the Imperial Sugar Company mill in the late 1800’s.

The second section features the energy and mixed meter syncopation of the Train theme for an exciting contrast to the mill theme and represents one of the oldest train lines in the state of Texas.

Cues are used to allow the conductor to adjust the piece to fit the strengths of a particular orchestra. The harp piano can be played effectively on piano, though it is recommended to leave out the glissandi in mm. 29, 32 and 145. The violin and viola parts at mm. 58, 60 and 62 are meant to represent the whistle of the train. This returns in the solo violin and solo cello at m. 102.