Based on a folk song from the early 1800s, The Wayfaring Stranger is an original setting of the classic and iconic melody for Euphonium and Band.  Inspired by the American folk tradition yet scored for the modern ensemble, The Wayfaring Stranger is the first movement in “The American Folk Odyssey” by Robert W. Smith, a multi-movement work featuring various solo instruments with concert band accompaniment.  Written for euphonium artist Phil Franke and the Fairfax Wind Symphony, the piece received its premiere performance at the 2021 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL.