Discover the Story Behind the Music: A Day in the Life of a Cowboy

 Are you ready for a Rodeo?

 Join the Abbotsford Symphony Orchestra for a fun and educational orchestral concert geared toward the growing minds of today’s youth. This year we will be presenting excerpts from Rodeo written by American composer, Aaron Copland (1900-1990).  

 In 1942, at choreographer Agnes de Mille’s request, Copland was commissioned by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo to compose a score for the ballet Rodeo. The ballet was set in the wild west, and tells the story of a young cowgirl who works on a Texas ranch. She is trying to attract the attention of the head wrangler, but has no luck. This all changes when she comes to the Saturday night dance in a party dress. Instead of ending up with the conceited head wrangler, she falls in love with a good-hearted cowboy and wins his heart.

 The “Hoedown” is probably the most famous excerpt from Rodeo, and it is one of the pieces we will play for you at the concert. You have probably heard the piece already, but in a different context than in a concert hall. Copland’s music has been popularized by television commercials and movies. For instance, in the 1998 basketball film He Got Game, director Spike Lee used various pieces by Copland as the background music. The “Hoedown” is used in the “Beef – it’s what’s for dinner” television commercials produced by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. In the ballet, the “Hoedown” is the finale. Unable to find a partner, the cowgirl has left the dance. When the hoedown begins, a young cowboy appears, looking for a woman to dance with who can match his energy. To everyone’s surprise, the cowgirl reappears, this time wearing a party dress with a bow in her hair. The cowboy kisses her, takes her hand, and the pair dance the hoedown. We are led to believe, of course, that they live happily ever after.
 

TO BOOK: Simply fill out the following form and fax it to the
ASO office @ 604-853-6732 or e-mail the booking info to info@abbotsfordsymphony.com

 Price is $5.00 per student per concert. For every 10 students booked one adult chaperone (parent or teacher)
attends free of charge. Price for each additional adult is $5.00.

 Wednesday, April 25, 2007   Central Heights Church, 1661 McCallum Road
 

Don't miss your chance to have your students participate in this fun and educational concert with a live orchestra with a focus on individual instruments. Educational support materials will be given to all participating schools so that your students can learn about the music prior to the event and become engaged in the experience.

 Please call the ASO Office at 604-853-6700 or e-mail at info@abbotsfordsymphony.com for details or an application.