The Burdens We Bear (Open)

The Burdens We Bear explores the human nature of how we deal with Burdens in our lives.  The first segment begins with our burdens weighing us down to the point where we can barely function.  The ensemble struggles to even get upright, fighting with all their strength to move and function with this weight on their shoulders.  In the ballad moment (cymbal feature and bass feature), the ensemble learns to let go of their troubles and experience what it's like to be free from our burdens.  Ultimately, the burdens come crashing back in the final segment and the ensemble must figure out how to live and move on with these burdens.  The melancholy ending with the vocalist freely singing "I'm doing the best I can.  I'm living day by day" drives home the idea that whatever burdens we bear, we must learn to live with them and move through life with support from friends and loved ones.

Musical Selections:

• Original Music by John Max McFarland

Show Duration: 6:04

Tempo Range: 140, 144, 180, 200 BPM

Difficulty Levels:

• Battery: 4
• Front Ensemble: 4

Instrumentation

• Snares
• Tenors (6)
• Bass Drums (5)
• Cymbals
• Glockenspiel/Xylophone (1 Player)
• Vibraphone 1, 2, 3, 4
  
• Marimba 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
• Percussion 1, 2
  
• Drumset
• Sampler
• Synthesizer 1, 2