“The River and the Rock” depicts the rich history of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, settled in 1735. Each short movement paints a musical picture of the city’s history, opening with “Beginnings,” depicting a frontier that was settled very slowly as hostilities between England and France encouraged Indian bounty hunters to attack isolated garrisons in the region. “Patriots” suggests the city’s call to arms throughout history. “Prosperity” visits the industrial revolution and the city’s rapid growth at the turn of the 20th century. Movement IV and V, “Decline” and “Revival,” offer a musical insight into the city’s decline throughout the 20th century and rebirth in the 21st century. Exciting and emotional, “The River and the Rock” merges history and music into a setting that your students will enjoy preparing.