Donald Sorah is Associate Professor of Music at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise where he teaches courses in music technology, composition, trumpet performance, orchestration, conducting, music education, and jazz.
Dr. Sorah is a composer who writes in a variety of styles from traditional chamber and orchestral works to chamber music and music for media.
Dr. Sorah is a member of the Symphony of the Mountains and Johnson City Symphony. He has taught and performed throughout Europe and South America. He also is the founder and conductor of Winds of the Mountain Empire.
His credentials include a bachelor of music education degree, a master of music in trumpet performance, and a PhD in music education.
Roy Crawford's Involvement with The Trestle Tree (Written by Donald Sorah)
You have likely heard of the recent flooding that ravaged much of southeastern Kentucky. Many cities and communities have been nearly completely destroyed. One such city is Whitesburg, just a few miles across the border from Wise County, Virginia, where I live. Images such as the following are unfathomable, but many of my friends, fellow musicians, and educators are dealing with this disaster just as they prepare for the new school year to begin.
This past spring, my friend Roy Crawford from Whitesburg shared a musical sketch of two themes he had composed, and sought development of those themes into a work for concert band. He sought to dedicate this work in tribute to an interesting artifact found near a walking trail in his hometown.
It seems that a small pine tree had planted roots and was growing out of an abandoned train trestle. Although this tree might have been passed over by many, Roy took note and found this tree to be a symbol of perseverance through seasons of adversity. A tree such as this should not be able to flourish growing out of a railroad tie, yet it stood strong and proud. Others in the community also took note of the tree, decorating it for Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. It was even the subject of a painting that is now displayed in City Hall.
These themes and the story of the Trestle Tree inspired me to compose The Trestle Tree, which was premiered by KYVA Summer Winds, Dr. Jason Griffith director, with the composer conducting the work just a few yards away from the Trestle Tree itself.
We hope that the symbol of the Trestle Tree will continue to represent resilience and perseverance over adversity as they work to rebuild their communities after the flood.
- Program Note by composer