Journey by the North Star (full score - cover & front matter)

Because of this design, a typical 50/50 divisi split for the older players in each North Star section to balance
the Elementary Part against the contrasting musical material is likely unnecessary. A smaller number of
players assigned to the Elementary Part will probably suffice. Directors can experiment with the number of
players assigned to the Elementary Part within each section of the orchestra to achieve a desired balance.
PEDAGOGICAL SHEETS
Pedagogical sheets for rehearsal support and to learn about the concepts of harmonic planing and mixed
meter are available for this work. These will enhance the ensemble's listening, performance, and overall
understanding of the work's structure. These can be used at the director’s discretion. Sample sheets are
included in print with this full score and parts. All sheets can be printed for free on the composer’s website:
www.LaurenSpavelko.com
AUDIO SUPPORT
Audio tracks are available for download on the composer’s website: www.LaurenSpavelko.com
Tracks may be used to assist individual practice and to teach ensembles how the work sounds as a whole,
especially to be combined with other orchestras later.
LYRICS
In the Elementary Part (and where these lines are shown in the advanced and intermediate parts), lyrics are
included to assist in learning and memorization. They are for rehearsal only and not to be performed.
Upper strings (violins & violas) have matching lyrics; lower strings (cello & bass) have their own matching
lyrics. The differences in the lyrics are to account for differences in rhythms.
COVER
The cover art is a painting & collage created by the composer.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Lauren Spavelko (b. 1989) is a composer, arranger, studio
teacher, performer, and visual artist. Her work inspires deeper
connections with one another and ourselves. Listeners can
find play, curiosity, joy, sensitivity, and empathy.
She has been commissioned by the National Endowment for
the Arts, the Johnstone Fund for New Music, and the Central
Ohio Symphony, among others. Her work has been awarded
multiple prizes including the Spoleto Festival’s G.C. Menotti
Young Composers Prize (Italy, Baby Book) and the Ruth
Anderson Commission Prize (IAWM, Black Box 2.0). She has
been a finalist for the NATS Art Song Composition Award
and the American Prize in Vocal & Orchestral Music. Her
string works were recommended in the ASTA national
journal in 2023 and 2024.
Lauren lives in Columbus, Ohio. You can hear her laughing through the city while swing dancing, singing,
fiddling, and making a joyful raucous with her circle of friends.
Duration: 4’30
Copyright ©Lauren Spavelko 2023
All Rights Controlled by Sidetracked Music (ASCAP)
December 2023