The Feet of the Hungry (from To Know the Path)

This is excerpted from the larger work, To Know the Path. The relative cool of evening. If desired, during the opening flute solo, the choir lowers their heads as a sign of respect and prayer, then slowly raises them as the bell chime starts in m. 17. The percussionist plays stones throughout, but also assign members of the choir to play stones (2 that they have gathered). Ideally this movement can be memorized by the choir, but if not, those playing stones can set down their folder in m. 16, pickup stones and read off a neighbor’s music. Start with a few stone players entering on beat 3 of m. 29 and gradually add more as indicated*. Starting in m. 63, gradually decrease the number of players as marked ** until only the original percussionist is left playing. Note that it is very easy to rush the third beat—be careful!

– Linda Kachelmeier