Carl Wittrock's wide interest in global folk-music resulted in this concert-piece based on original African rhythms. Obviously the percussion section has a conspicious role to play but the band too may indulge itself in moments of thoroughly delightful excitement. The introduction depicts the awakening of nature and develops into a dance. The (main) motif of this dance is from a dance entitled Apollo and comes from Gambia. Its accompaniment consists of an ostinato pattern by balaphon-master Maudo Susa. The quiet middle movement is based on the rhythm of the 'gigbo' : a traditional dance from Ghana. In the final movement -which also bears a slight resemblanceto a theme from 'The Lion King'- the so-called 'Kono' rhythm is used. The work is played most advantageously using djembes. Challenge and please your percussion section with 'The African Connection'.

Commissioned by the acclaimed Midwest Clinic in 2005 this exciting work by Samuel Hazo demonstrates the composer's continued fresh approach and unique vision for wind bands. Scored for brass and percussion with woodwind playerscontributing East African chant/singing along with egg shakers this composition is a tribute to the memory of Rosa Parks and her struggles on behalf of civil rights more than 50 years ago. An auxiliary set of woodwind parts isnow available allowing this dramatic music to be performed by a traditional symphonic band instrumentation. Dur: 4:00