The Cruise Line Dream
by Joshua Idio

Grade 5 | 7:45 | © 2020

The Cruise Line Dream is a symphonic work that is suitable for festival and/or mid-concert performances. Inspired by the idea of traveling the seas on a cruise ship, the music portrays a story filled with ocean-blue wonders and a feel for the islands. There is fun, excitement, romance, and relaxation in these waters. The music of the seas sure feels like an adventure waiting to set sail.

This piece was I think the first ever composition that I wrote which really started in 2011 and was only now published just a few years ago, and that’s because it was my way of testing myself out as a composer. Back when I was in high school I had recently returned from a music program trip to Italy where we performed music from another famous band composer, who we got to meet.

And so that experience really inspired me to give the composition world a try. this work was my way to see if a career in composing was possible for me. And ya know, as I was figuring out what kind of story to write, I found myself staring at a picture of me as a kid with my family on a Disney Cruise, and I thought to myself my time on a cruise could be a great story to write about. I had very fond memories of that trip and going to the bahamas, I think we went to.

So I started writing the piece and trying to convey those feelings and the adventures that I’ve had. And throughout the next couple of years or so this piece has only grown. So what you are about to hear is the culmination of 4 years of early independent studying as a young composer. And thanks to this work I’ve found that I truly do love composition. I hope you can use this piece to immerse yourself in my story and hopefully your own.

Recorded on May 7th, 2022 by Westchester Symphonic Winds and Curt Ebersole