Weather
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General Info
Year: 2021
Duration: c. 17:40
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Unknown
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II
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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Timpani
Percussion I-II, including:
- Drum Set
SATB Chorus
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
May 25th of 2020 was a Memorial Day that took on new meaning for not just for those who were citizens of the United States of America, but also for citizens around the world who witnessed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The institutional marginalization of Black people in the U.S. has been a part of the nation’s history since the first enslaved Africans arrived on its shores in 1619. While Black, Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have experienced some levels of educational, economic, and social advancement in this country, George Floyd’s murder was “wake up” call to many -- confirming that much work still needs to be done if America is to live up to its creed that proclaims, “all are created equal,” and its promise of “liberty and justice for all.”
The death of George Floyd soon became a defining moment in the discourse on systemic racism and social injustice. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, people from all walks of life have sought both personal and public ways to respond to this traumatic and tragic event. Individuals and institutions around the world have been inspired to take a closer look at themselves, to seek a deeper understanding of the dynamics of racism and bias and their effect on the present, and to take purposeful actions that promote a more just society.
Historically, the arts have always fulfilled the dual roles of responding to change while at the same time creating change. Weather is a poem that gives voice to the voiceless, especially those who have been and continue to be marginalized because of difference. It responds to and reflects realities that are both culturally specific and humanly universal. Professor Claudia Rankine challenges all of us (no matter your background or lived experience) to know better, to do better, to take action, and to become agents of social justice and social change. Everyone has a role to play in building and sustaining communities that are fair and just for all. Therefore, Weather is a learning opportunity for all of us. All persons are invited to tell this story and learn from it.
When I was presented the opportunity to set Professor Claudia Rankine’s poem Weather to music, I immediately found resonance with the words. “Weather” is a contranym (a word with contradictory meanings). It could mean “to withstand,” and it can also mean “to wear away.” After spending many hours studying the poem, I had to think very carefully about how I could employ tonal, rhythmic, stylistic, and expressive elements that would amplify (and not detract from) such a powerful and multi-dimensional sequencing of words. I sincerely hope the resulting composition, bearing same title as the poem, will serve as a meaningful, musical manifestation of Rankine’s important and timely message to the world.
- Program Note by composer
Media
Weather World Premiere by TCNJ (Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Rowan University (Glassboro, N.J.) Wind Ensemble (Joseph Higgins, conductor) - 15 October 2022
- California State University Los Angeles Wind Ensemble (Emily Moss, conductor) - 4 May 2022
- Temple University (Philadelphia, Penn.) Wind Symphony (Paul Rardin, conductor; Temple University Singers) - 22 April 2022
- College of New Jersey (Ewing Township) Wind Ensemble (Eric Laprade, conductor; Combined Choirs) – 18 February 2022 (CBDNA 2022 Eastern Conference, Baltimore, Md.)
- College of New Jersey (Ewing Township) Wind Ensemble (Eric Laprade, conductor) – 30 October 2021 *Premiere Performance*
Works for Winds by This Composer
- Weather (2021)
Resources
- Rollo Dilworth, Wikipedia. Accessed 18 February 2022
- Weather Companion Resource Accessed 8 March 2023 Created by Dr. Colleen Sears