Footprints

Footprints is a musical depiction of the popular parable of the same title which discusses life's path. Solos for the flute and trumpet followed by full band entrances portray this idea perfectly that we never walk alone.

Program Notes

Footprints is a parable about faith.
One night a man had a dream.

He dreamed he was walking along the beach with God. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to God. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This troubled him and he questioned God about it. "God, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you the most you would leave me."

God replied, "My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

This musical portrayal interprets the parable in five sections. The solo flute that begins the composition represents the individual in each of us - questioning and searching for our way along life's path. Next, a noble melody, heard first in the solo trumpet and then the full band, encourages us that we do not walk alone. This moves into a section of tumultuous rhythm and discord, representing those times of despair and hopelessness we all must face. The hymn song "Eventide" (also known as "Abide By Me") arise out of this chaos, comforting us and carrying us forward. The music ends with the solo flute - the individual - continuing along life's path with faith, reassurance and understanding.

- Greg Danner

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2003
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 8:55

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2/3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon 1/2
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2/3
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3
Euphonium 1/2
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (suspended cymbal, crash cymbals, triangle)
Percussion 2 (4 tom-toms, snare drum, 4 roto-toms)
Percussion 3 (triangle, bass drum, mark tree)
Percussion 4 (vibraphone, bells, tam-tam, suspended cymbal)