Program Notes
A Western Fantasy uses three traditional songs from the Old West. Red River Valley was originally
called In The Bright Mohawk Valley and was a popular New York song. Cowboys in Red River country
changed its words and it became a favorite cowboy love song. The second song used is Whoopee Ti-YiYo. Many different interpretations of this song can be found in the folk literature, but it is certainly a
cowboy song dating to the 1800's. The final song used for the fantasy is the popular Home On The
Range. First printed in 1911, the song did not attract any attention until it was sung on Franklin
D.Roosevelt's doorstep when he was first elected President.
About the Composer
David Bobrowitz (b.1945) received his Bachelor of Science degree from the Mannes College of Music,
majoring in Trombone Performance under Simon Karasick. He went on to Teachers College, Columbia
University, where he earned a Masters Degree in Music Education. He studied composition
independently under the tutelage of Robert Russell Bennett.
Mr. Bobrowitz had been a freelance bass trombonist, pianist, composer and arranger in the New York
area for more than 30 years. He retired from the Great Neck Public Schools in June, 2000, and now
resides outside of Richmond, Virginia. Mr. Bobrowitz continues to be in demand as a performer,
composer, and arranger.
