Camino, Caminante by Stephen Hatfield 

Camino, Caminante by Stephen Hatfield
Youth Chorus, Percussionists: Kyla Raygor, Elsie Shaw, Olivia Stojack
It is often observed that in modern times history moves very quickly. Think of a big city - vibrating with both the friction and fabulous cross-fertilization that comes with an escalating mixture of cultures. History seems to move so quickly that nobody knows which way to turn. Different paths are opening and closing before anybody can keep track. When Stephen Hatfield composed this song (dedicated to the children of Miami), he had the spooky feeling that he was writing music for people who would explore and map a future that neither us nor they can begin to imagine. Thus he chose text from the Spanish poet Antonio Machado (1875-1939), which translates to “there is no path, paths are made by walking”. This song draws on several Afro-Cuban and Latino influences, without emulating a specific style. The use of hemiolas and inter-connection of duple and triple time suggests the interdependent, interlocking movements of people and cultures - the wheels within wheels of a great city. It was composed in such a way to suggest how the crowds of a big city can both strengthen and threaten a sense of individuality: hence the irony of the entire alto section singing, “when we travel, we travel alone”.
Spanish Translation: Traveler, there is no path. Paths are made by walking.
Spectrum Choral Academy 10th Spring Concert
"I'm Creating A World"
May 11, 2024
Chapel Hill Church, Gig Harbor, WA
Stephanie Charbonneau, Artistic Director
Julie Mandery, Accompanist
www.spectrumchoir.com