Americans Lost

From Wind Repertory Project
Christopher Tucker

Christopher Tucker


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General Info

Year: 2001
Duration: c. 10:00
Difficulty: III (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Southern Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $67.50   |   Score Only (print) - $6.75


Movements

1. Fallen Remembrances – 1:40
2.. Tragedies – 1:25
3.. ...ashes to ashes – 2:45
4. Healing of the Heart – 3:30


Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

In the fall of 2000, a commission was set into motion for the DeSoto West Junior High School Band under the direction of Terry Maxwell and Kimberly Kriston. I was given an open agreement to compose a work for middle school band employing a topic of my choice or whatever inspires me. At the time, I was hurt by the unnecessary loss of life our nation witnessed, as well as moved by the courage and perseverance of the Americans who endured the loss. Tragedies have consumed the television and radio waves, bringing its audience stories of death by disease, war, terror, and violence. It is unfortunate to see lives pass away at a time when they are full of potential and achievement. This became the subject for Americans Lost.

When I first started sketching the first movement, my main inspiration was the emotion I had felt in reaction to school violence, e.g., the tragic events at Columbine High School in 1999. I wanted to compose a serious piece of music that would open a venue for the director to create an awareness of these fatal acts and discuss their tragic repercussions. It is my hope that with further knowledge comes the possibility of eliminating a problem before it actually happens. I want the kids to feel what I felt and have compassion toward others -- their American brothers and sisters.

I, as well as the whole nation, was shocked to see and hear the devastation in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. I spent weeks glued to the television in disbelief asking, "Why? Why would anyone wish to destroy a life? What have honest and hard-working Americans done to deserve such a tragic fate? When will it stop?" In the following days and weeks, Americans from across the nation joined together in New York City, at the site of the remains of the World Trade Center, to search for survivors. No one gave up hope. It was an amazing and proud moment: Americans joined by a strong and unwavering bond, chanting USA and singing God Bless America and America, the Beautiful. Such an emotional experience. I dedicate Americans Lost to the victims' families of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. America is a true testament of courage and love.

- Program Note by composer


Awards

  • Biennial College Band Directors National Association Young Band Composition Competition, 2001.


Commercial Discography


Media


State Ratings

  • Louisiana: III
  • Michigan: Senior High C
  • Mississippi: III-A
  • Texas: III. Complete


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Christopher Tucker website Accessed 13 August 2017
  • deAlbuquerque, Joan. "Americans Lost." In Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 6, edit. & comp. by Richard Miles, 294-301. Chicago: GIA Publications, 2007.
  • Tucker, C. (2001). Americans Lost: For Symphonic Band [score]. Southern Music Co.: San Antonio, Tex.