The Roarsville Rag

Grade 4

3 minutes

Composed for and premiered by the Rohrersville (MD) Band

Excellent mockup by Note Performer

I wrote this piece for the Rohrersville Band of Rohrersville, Maryland (my wife’s hometown).  To my knowledge, this band is the second-oldest continuously active community band in the country, with the exception of the Allentown (PA) Band.

My piece is a rather traditional-sounding rag that presents three contrasting themes that all combine in counterpoint for the finale. Its inspiration was Irving Berlin’s wonderful song “Play a Simple Melody.”