The program begins at the very heart of the Mother Road with Robert Sheldon’s “Sixty Six.” Bright, rhythmic, and full of forward momentum, the piece captures the optimism and open road energy that made Route 66 synonymous with freedom. We begin our journey in the Windy City with William Chambers’ “Chicago Tribune March.” Its bold brass writing and confident stride evoke the bustling newspaper era of Chicago—one of Route 66’s most storied starting points. W. C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues March” blends jazz, blues, and military precision, reflecting St. Louis as a cultural crossroads. The next stretch of the trip rolls into Oklahoma, where Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” bursts with frontier spirit. Continuing southwest, Morton Gould’s “Santa Fe Saga” paints the desert with color and drama. Its cinematic writing evokes adobe architecture, desert horizons, and the cultural richness of New Mexico. Rossano Galante’s “Red Rock Mountain” pushes deeper into rugged terrain with soaring lines and powerful brass scoring. The work’s grandeur mirrors the monumental rock formations of northern Arizona. Our next stop offers a moment of reflection as we venture off the highway on a little side trip with Philip Sparke’s “Sunrise at Angel’s Gate”; Inspired by the breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon. Steven Reineke’s “Sedona” continues the Arizona Route 66 chapter with vibrant color and rhythmic vitality. Our journey concludes at the Pacific Ocean with Robert Sheldon’s “Pacific Crest.” Triumphant and expansive, it represents the end of the road—where Route 66 meets the California coastline in Santa Monica and we finally stand at the edge of the continent.
