Roaming: A familiar plot within the prairie

Mitchell Flowers
​ASC Landmark crew member​

This composition tells a story. One that occurs frequently across the American Prairie Reserve. The characters are familiar and the events are common. Read the narrative below first, press play, then scroll down to follow the narrative through the piece, using the cues to allow the scene to unfold as you listen.

“The sun is low and the grass is tall. The wind blows gently through the prairie. The bison are a constant presence and easily noticed. A hawk slows the flapping of its wings as it lands upon a cottonwood. Something approaches from the distance, its arrival felt not seen. Startled by the new presence, several sage grouse flush out into the open. A coyote stalks among the grasses, its movements are quick and concise. After pausing to acknowledge the newcomer, the bison continue their roaming undisturbed. As the grass gives way to dried mud, the coyote reveals itself and sprints towards the entrance of a nearby burrow. The prairie dogs are now aware of their unwanted guest. A chorus of barking ensues. An elk bugles out of sight, unaffected but nonetheless connected. As the sun sets, life on the prairie goes on.”

[00:01]—[Steady and open.]
The sun is low and the grass is tall. The wind blows gently through the prairie.

[00:26]—[Lumbering forward, stopping occasionally. A strong, simple cycle.]
The bison are a constant presence and easily noticed.

[00:45]—[A pair moves up and down in unison while ultimately descending.]
A hawk slows the flapping of its wings as it lands upon a cottonwood.

[00:58]—[Moving swiftly, a new presence rises in volume.]
Something approaches from the distance.

[01:03]—[Sudden bursts of motion fluttering out of range.]
Startled by the new presence, several sage grouse flush out into the open.

[01:05]—[Advancing steadily, quickly. Occasionally holding still.] 
A coyote stalks among the grasses, its movements are quick and concise.

[01:14]—[The strong and simple cycle returns.]
After pausing to acknowledge the newcomer, the bison continue their roaming undisturbed.
​
[01:22]—[Rapidly accelerating, a rolling knock.]
As the grass gives way to dried mud, the coyote reveals itself and sprints towards the entrance of a nearby burrow.

[01:24]—[Shrill, short, repeating, and urgent. Coming from different directions.]
The prairie dogs become aware of their unwanted guest. A chorus of barking ensues.

[01:29]—[Distinct and distant. A high-pitched whistle is held.]
An elk bugles out of sight, unaffected but nonetheless connected.
​
[01:45]—[Fading out.]
As the sun sets, life on the prairie goes on.

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