American Dream, The

From Wind Repertory Project
James Beckel

James Beckel


General Info

Year: 1997
Duration: c. 4:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Cost: Score and Parts - $60.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Glockenspiel
  • Gong
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This transcription for band represents the excitement and hope that is still embodied in the concept of the American Dream. The slower middle section of this composition makes use of the hymn, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” The intended text is as follows: “For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the joy of human love, This is our hymn of grateful praise.”

- Program Note by composer


American composer James A. Beckel Jr. has had his music played all over the country and received a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1997 for his horn concerto, The Glass Bead Game. His piece The American Dream is the final movement of a longer composition entitled Night Visions. Written in 1992, the work is dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Charles O’Drobinak, and was commissioned by Price Waterhouse. The four movements of the piece are each dedicated to a different dream; apart from The American Dream are Flying, Gates of the Unknown, and Vision of a Lost Friend. The American Dream was meant to pay particular tribute to Mr. O’Drobinak in his success as CEO of Price Waterhouse, and the idea that any individual in America has the opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams and aspirations.

- Program Note from U.S. Coast Guard Band concert program, 16 January 2022


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • St. Cloud (Minn.) State University Wind Ensemble (David Lumley, conductor) - 19 April 2022
  • United States Coast Guard Band (New London, Conn.) (Adam Williamson, conductor) - 16 January 2022
  • Indiana University (Bloomington) Wind Ensemble (Stephen W. Pratt, conductor) – 21 April 2016
  • Indiana Wind Symphony (Charles P. Conrad, conductor) - 1 July 2011
  • Butler University Wind Ensemble (Robert Grechesky, conductor) - 2 October 2005


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources