Haywire’s Paradise

Approximate Grade Level - 3 Duration - 3’ Written - 2016

Commissioned by the Sandia High School Wind Ensemble

View the Score (First Half Only)

Contact to Purchase

Although no one is quite sure of the origin of the famous folk tune “Big Rock Candy Mountain,” most people accredit its creation, and certainly its popularization, to the famous singer/songwriter Harry McClintock. Nicknamed “Haywire Mac” as a result of his adventurous lifestyle and hearty sense of humor, McClintock allegedly wrote the song to represent a hobo’s idea of paradise.

This piece is meant to evoke the nostalgic charm of the original melody, along with just a touch of off the wall antics to keep things interesting.

Note: There is a section of the piece that asks the performers to whistle the melody. The Midi does not perform this section.