Spirit of the Wolf
(Stakaya)
Bob Baker
Ensemble: Concert Band
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 03:30
Year of Composition: 2019
Commissioned by: WVYB Symphonic Band (Douglas Macaulay, director)
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Year of Publication: 2019
Publisher Catalog Number: 04005848
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase
Links:
Flute
Oboe (opt.)
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinet 1,2
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Sax 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpet 1,2
F Horn (opt.)
Trombone/Baritone
Tuba
Percussion 1
Percussion 2
Mallet Percussion
Timpani (opt.)
Also available in a version for Gr. 3 concert band, as Wolf Song.
Program Notes:
Music is uniquely human – it is our shared human language. Music can open doors, open minds and allow us to experience the essence of another culture. Music can be also be healing, and this is reflected in the Squamish language where music and medicine are the same word. As work continues toward reconciling the past with the First Peoples of North America, it is also necessary to forge a shared path forward based on our commonalities rather than our differences. Music seems a very good place to start. Efforts are underway to include accurate Indigenous content in schools and it is important to seek and be granted permission from the creators and caretakers of Indigenous stories, art and music before including or adapting them for the wider community. This publication began as a conversation with Squamish Nation Cultural Adviser and performer, Bob Baker, who has generously agreed to share songs from his aural tradition. Following on The Gathering Of Eagles (Eskekxw Ta Spakwus), Wolf Song (Takaya Slulem) is the second song he has granted Robert Buckley permission to expand into a work for concert band. [Spirit of the Wolf is a version of Wolf Song for younger bands.]
(Douglas Macaulay, via Robert Buckley)
