Patrick J. Burns

Perfect Trip

Perfect Trip derives its title from the horse racing term which refers to the flawless performance of the winning steed. It was written for the 20th Anniversary Concert of the Ridgewood Concert Band in New Jersey at the request of the band's founding director, Dr. C. Christian Wilhjelm. The piece itself lasts not much more than a typical one mile horse race and depicts the event from the observer's perspective: the initial burst of energy at the starting gate and the ensuing excitement approaching the first turn, the suspense as the race develops along the far stretch, and the increasing drama as the pack rounds the final turn and heads down the stretch for the big finish. Recorded by the Ridgewood Concert Band, Christian Wilhjelm, conductor (Grade 4)