Product Description
FULL SCORE
***PARTS & CHORAL SCORE SOLD SEPARATELY***
Nebraska, My Heartland was written to not only
celebrate 150 years of Nebraskan history, but to express my own gratitude for
all that the Midwestern way of life has to offer. It celebrates the natural beauty of the Sandhills,
prairies, forests, and bluffs, along with the strength of its people, its
flourishing family friendly communities, and its deep and rich traditions in
the arts. I have lived near mountains,
near oceans, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world, but
none of those places have ever felt as much like home as Nebraska.
Nebraska, My Heartland incorporates the poetry of both
Willa Cather, the famous Nebraskan poet and writer who helped the rest of
America gain an appreciation for the pioneer life, and Veronica
Torraca-Bragdon, a contemporary poet and friend whose heart will always belong
to Nebraska. Cathers poem, "Prairie
Spring" was chosen because it vividly portrays the struggles of the pioneers
who originally settled here, yet juxtaposes this struggle with youthful determination,
and the optimism and enthusiasm brought about by hope. Veronicas poem, titled "Nebraska," is the
centerpiece for the fanfare and celebration of a state that abounds with
success in all of the ways that make Nebraska a great place to live.
The music begins as the
sun is about to rise and burst forth with the promise of a new day. It speaks of Nebraskas natural beauty and
landscapes while the sweet song of the Western Meadowlark, our state bird,
drifts on the wind. Next, the changing seasons and thriving spirit
of Nebraskas people are portrayed with an energetic, youthful melody leading
into a celebratory sesquicentennial fanfare.
But as the seasons change, the listener is reminded that to thrive is also
to persevere, and soon a storm begins to loom.
First the rolling thunder, then the rain, and finally the full
devastation of natures fury are realized by the combined forces of both
ensembles. Yet, as hope springs eternal,
we are reminded again of the strength of the pioneer and the roots that keep us
anchored against the storm. Out of this
resilience bursts forth a brilliant light signifying the future that is before
us for this generation and the next, ending with words that summarize so
eloquently how Nebraskans feel about their home: "With loving beauty, youll
forever shine!"
INSTRUMENTATION
1
Piccolo
2 Flute 1
2 Flute 2
2 Flute 3
1 Oboe 1
1 Oboe 2
1 Bassoon 1
1 Bassoon 2
4 Bb Clarinet 1
4 Bb Clarinet 2
4 Bb Clarinet 3
2 Bb Bass Clarinet
1 Eb Alto Saxophone 1
1 Eb Alto Saxophone 2
1 Bb Tenor Saxophone
1 Eb Baritone Saxophone
3 Bb Trumpet 1
3 Bb
Trumpet 2
3 Bb Trumpet 3
3 Bb Trumpet 4
1 F Horn 1
1 F Horn 2
1 F Horn 3
1 F Horn 4
2 Trombone 1
2 Trombone 2
2 Bass trombone
3 Euphonium B.C. / Baritone T.C.
6 Tuba
1
Timpani (4 drums)
5
PERCUSSION
Suspended Cymbal
Crash Cymbal,Wind Chimes,Orchestral Chimes,Snare Drum (3 if available), Bass
Drum,
*Wind
Machine (optional),
*Suspended Thundersheet (as available),
*Large Timpani Drumhead
1
PITCHED PERCUSSION Glockenspiel,Marimba
SATB
& Rehearsal Piano
To learn more about the composer, please visit https://www.dmgardner.com
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.