The Race of Mercy

Pathogens have been a risk to human life since the start of our existence. Diseases like influenza and the Black Plague have been dominant over humans, killing millions upon millions of people on a global scale. Of course, we have had a major pandemic in recent memory, COVID-19, left about 7 million people dead, and the Spanish flu 110 years ago killed about 50 million people. However, not long after, an outbreak of diptheria in Nome, Alaska emerged 10 years later in 1925. That event led to the 1925 serum run to Nome, saving the world from yet another pandemic. In this article, we’ll cover the history of the race–and why it’s so significant to our school on the other side of the country.

The Race

In January 1925, there were signs of diphtheria in several ill children in Nome, a gold rush town in western Alaska. Much like recent times, quarantine was implemented and a cry for help was issued to the nation’s capitol. However, with the quarantine ongoing at the time, 20 people have contracted the disease and many more were at risk. And to make it worse, the treatment toxin for diphtheria had expired. The Spanish Flu already killed 50% of Nome’s native population, and the only way to transport the new toxins was by dogsled, with the extreme winter temperatures forbidding ship and air travel. Nome couldn’t take another blow.

With that, the dogsled relay was set up along the Iditarod trail in Alaska, with 20 teams of dogs set up on the trail. Through ice and barren conditions along the trails, the teams braved the obstacles that stood in their way and persevered through and through. Some notable dogs included Togo, who led the longest stretch of 270 miles and was renowned for his intelligence, and Balto, the lead dog of the final stretch home.

Against all odds, the team made the journey in a remarkably fast 5.5 days, and made it in time for the doctors to administer the toxin and free the world of another epidemic. Only 5 to 7 people died, and Nome was safe.

Why does this matter?

Our M.S. 158 Band is playing a piece that describes these events, called “Across the Alaskan Snow”, composed by JaRod Hall. Here are the program notes: 

“In 1925 a deadly outbreak in Nome, Alaska endangered thousands of lives. The cure was an antitoxin serum which could only be delivered by dogsled across a portion of the Iditarod Trail, the only route accessible for transporting goods during the harsh winters. A heroic relay of dog teams transported hundreds of boxes full of the life-saving serum across the 674 mile trail from Nenana to Nome in a record-breaking 127.5 hours, without a single broken vial. This came to be known as the 1925 Serum Run. This journey is commemorated annually in the Iditarod Race. Across the Alaskan Snow echoes this famous race’s riveting rush at the start, the dauntless determination of the sled dogs, and the awe-inspiring serenity of the Alaskan landscape. This voyage is a testament to perseverance, courage, and the bond between driver and dog; for victory is granted not to the swift nor the strong, but for those who endure to the end” 

The piece is a vivid description of the race, with parts of the pieces perfectly aligning with the storyline. In the beginning of the piece, it conveys the initial energy and willpower of the dog teams, with strong brass entrances and intricate woodwind ostinatos. Following that,  the main ostinato and melodies are introduced, conveying the dogs racing in Alaska’s interior. As the energy dies down, the slow middle section portrays the image of the team resting, burnt out and tired. Suddenly, the team begins the final push into Nome, with a new burst of energy symbolized by the faster-than-before tempo. The intensity slowly rebuilds into what it was, then explodes into the climax of the piece, with Nome in sight. The climax contains a full ensemble forte and accented melodies contrasting with slurred, legato lines. Lastly, the piece comes to an energetic end, with brass sustains and a final woodwind fanfare signifying the triumph of the mission.

Back to 158, the selection of this piece was not selected by Ms. Schecter, but by the students out of 2 other pieces in the same category. It’s a 158 tradition for the students to vote on their NYSSMA Majors program, as it highlights the voice of the students and encourages them to shape their rehearsal by choosing what they would be excited to play. Through the ups and downs of rehearsal, we learned how to play the piece well and work on the small details that get you from “good” to “great”. It was later revealed that we picked the two hardest pieces out of the pieces chosen, with “Across the Alaskan Snow” being the hardest of them all. This really shows the skill and perseverance of the band, much like the heroic dogs, to complete their mission.

Where can you hear this?

This seems like a shameless plug, but the Senior Spring Arts Festival is May 20th, and we will be playing that piece along with two other pieces we will play at NYSSMA Majors! This event really is when the current 8th Grade band will conclude its journey before playing at NYSSMA and Graduation. Additionally, the previews assemblies take place on Monday for audiences to get a taste of what is to come! The concert also includes Chamber Choir and Jazz Band. So, come for a great evening filled with music and I hope to see you there!