George Washington Bridge

The writing of William Schumann is considered by many to be the pinnacle of contemporary band styling. This extraordinary work has been a staple of the band repertoire for many years, and has been found on virtually every statecontest list.

'There are few days in the year when I do not see the George Washington Bridge. I pass it on my way to work asIdrive along the Henry Hudson parkway on the New York shore. Ever since my student days when I watched the progress of its construction, this bridge has had for me an almost human personality, and this personality isastonishinglyvaried, assuming different moods depending on the time of day or night, the weather, the traffic and, of course, my own mood as I pass by.

I have walked across it late at night when it was shrouded in fog, andduring thebrilliant sunshine hours of midday. I have driven over it countless times and passed under it on boats. Coming to New York City by air, sometimes I have been lucky enough to fly right over it. It is difficult to imaginea moregracious welcome or dramatic entry to the great metropolis'.

William Schuman