Rainbow in the Clouds

From Wind Repertory Project
Carol Brittin Chambers

Carol Brittin Chambers


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 3:10
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00; (digital) - $95.00   |   Score Only (print) - $12.50


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute
Oboe (optional Flute II)
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
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Bells
  • Marimba
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Triangle
  • Vibraphone
  • Wind Chimes


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This musical work is based on an old traditional spiritual, God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds. The full ensemble introduces the work, then woodwinds and brass take turns presenting the lyric melody. The musical qualities of expression, varied styles, solo passages, key changes, and tempo changes are all included.

- Program Note from publisher


Rainbow in the Clouds was commissioned by the Pflugerville Middle School Wind Ensemble in Pflugerville, Texas, directed by Shauna Satrom. The piece premiered in May 2017, in memory and celebration of Luis Ham, who was an assistant principal at Pflugerville Middle School.

This piece is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the 19th century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds. The first time I heard reference to this song was in a Maya Angelou video, in which she sings a portion of it: "When it looked like the sun wouldn't shine anymore, Oh, God, put a rainbow in the clouds." In the video, Dr. Angelou honors those who have demonstrated kindness to her in the past, and she suggests that we all try to be a blessing to others. The Pflugerville community believed that Mr. Ham, with his positive outlook, was definitely a "rainbow in the clouds" for others.

- Program Note from score


Media


State Ratings

  • Alabama: Class C


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources