Dreams of America
​Duration: 13'30"

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Instrumentation:
1 Eb Soprano Cornet, 4 Bb Solo Cornets, 1 Bb Repiano Cornet, 2 2nd Bb Cornets, 2 3rd Bb Cornets, 1 Flugelhorn, 3 Eb Tenor Horns, 2 Bb Baritone Horns, 2 Bb Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone, 2 Bb Euphoniums, 2 Eb Basses, 2 Bb Basses, 4 Percussion, Projected Still Images
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Program Notes:
I. Yearning to Breathe Free
II. Take my Stand
III. It Beckons and Beckons
IV. Sweet Land of Liberty
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“The earth is the mother of all people,
and all people should have equal rights upon it.”
– Chief Joseph
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The concept of the “American Dream” is an indelible part of the American psyche. Over time, notions of success, fame, and fortune have become synonymous with this idea. Some have achieved their personal “American Dreams,” and yet for others they often remain only a dream. Dreams of America takes a look at certain, generalized aspects of the “American Dream” and pits them against the harsh realities faced by many, both in the past and present. To heighten these dichotomies, each movement is accompanied by a slideshow of historic and modern images related to the issues at hand. Movement 1: Yearning to Breathe Free explores the anger, fear, and subjugation that seems rampant in recent years, but has been present throughout the country’s founding. Movement 2: Take my Stand looks at the role that change, protest, and equality has had and continues to have in our society. Movement 3: It Beckons and Beckons examines the beauty of nature and our role in preserving and protecting this country’s natural wonders while illustrating the ease of which our environment can be ruined and destroyed. Movement 4: Sweet Land of Liberty reflects on my interpretation at what truly makes the United States of America a great country – the people who call this place home. The patriotic tune "America the Beautiful" has been woven throughout, in part for its poetic depiction of the American landscape and its call for “brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”

Commissioned by the National Youth Brass Band of America.
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Comments about the video
1. Potential trigger warning. While nothing graphic is shown, a few of the images in the video might be unsettling to some viewers.
2. All opinions expressed through this work are solely my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer, the commissioning parties, the performing ensemble, anyone affiliated with those organizations, or any of the people who submitted photos for this project.
Perusal Score
Awards:
Winner, The American Prize 2024 Composition - Marian Anderson Award in Social Justice (Professional Division) Category​
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Performances:
Fountain City Brass Band (Helen Harrelson, conductor) - 10 September 2022; Olathe, KS
Fountain City Brass Band (Helen Harrelson, conductor) - 9 September 2022; Topeka, KS
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