Humble Heart
Shaker Melody arranged by Ed Kiefer
Subtitle: A Shaker Tune
General Info
Year: 2018
Duration: c. 2:15
Difficulty: I-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Traditional melody
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $60.00 | Score Only (print) - $12.00
Instrumentation
Full Score
Flute
Oboe (optional)
Bassoon (optional)
B-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
Horn in F
Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion I-VI, including:
- Bass Drum
- Bells
- Concert Toms, large
- Crash Cymbals
- Mark Tree
- Snare Drum
- Suspended Cymbal
- Triangle
- Vibraphone
- Vibra-slap
Errata
None discovered thus far.
Program Notes
In writing this composition, I tried to make a lyrical piece that was easily accessible to very young bands, and yet remain true to this simple, beautiful Shaker melody. The ranges are all within reach of a first-year student, with rhythms simple enough to be learned in a very short time. The only challenges will be keeping the tune as legato as possible and playing a few countermelodies that require some independent counting, although they are doubled in many sections. However, these concepts are ones that young players need to learn and work on early.
I sometimes think some original young band music lacks good melody, harmony and direction, but I hope you will find this piece accentuates the beauty and peace this melody provides. Here are some lyrics taken from the George DeWitt Hymnal, New Lebanon, 1822, that speak to a Humble Heart and address a young student’s insecurities of not feeling they are the best, biggest or richest in their class.
The proud and lofty I despise,
And bless the meek and low.
I hear the humble soul that cries,
And comfort I bestow.
Of all the trees among the wood
I've chose the little vine;
The meek and low are nigh to me,
The humble heart is mine.
Tall cedars fall before the wind,
The tempest breaks the oak,
While slender vines will bow and bend
And rise beneath the stroke.
I've chosen me a pleasant grove
And set my lovely vine
Here in my vinyard I will rove,
The humble heart is mine.
- George DeWitt Hymnal, New Lebanon, 1822
- Program Note by composer
Media
State Ratings
None discovered thus far.
Performances
To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project
- Centennial High School Wind Ensemble (Ellicott City, Md.) (David Matchim, conductor) - 20 December 2018 (2018 Midwest Clinic)
Works for Winds by This Composer
Adaptable Music
- Five-Note Jive (Flex instrumentation) (2014/2020)
- God Rest Ye Merry, Peeps (Flex instrumentation) (2013/2020)
- New World Breakdown (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1893/2012/2020)
All Wind Works
- 7 Hills March (2020)
- Always Blooming (2017)
- The Anguish of Nosferatu (2014)
- Arabian Fire Dance (2012)
- Arabian Processional (2013)
- Bluegrass Rondeau (2013)
- Captive (2016)
- Cathedral Bell Fantasy (as arranger) (2020)
- Chips and Salsa (2016)
- Chips, and Salsa Too (2019)
- Circle in a Square (2013)
- Conquering Spirit (2009)
- Courage of the Cossacks (2017)
- Croatian Warrior (2018)
- Dancin' at the Great Gate (as arranger) (2012)
- Day on the Prairie (2019)
- Deep Winter's Night (2020)
- Escape (2011)
- Factory Child (2018)
- Five-Note Jive (Flex instrumentation) (2014/2020)
- God Rest Ye Merry, Peeps (Flex instrumentation) (2013/2020)
- Hammer of the Gods (2014)
- Haunting Old Mountain Melody (2020)
- Hip Hop Hallelujah (as arranger) (2012)
- Huguenots (2009)
- Humble Heart (2018)
- An Irish Legend (2012)
- Journey of the Spanish Buccaneers (2018)
- Lanigan's Ball (2016)
- March in the Shadows (2010)
- March of the Clowns (2019)
- Mountain Dance (2008)
- New World Breakdown (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1893/2012/2020)
- Orpheus in the Urbanworld (as arranger) (2013)
- Rain and Snow on the Cedar Cliffs (2015)
- Rejoice (2013)
- Resignation (2018)
- The Rocky Road to Dublin (as. Arranger) (c. 1870/2023)
- Search for the Lost Colony (2013)
- Soar High (2019)
- Thumpin' With the Good King (as arranger) (2013)
- Whitewater Run (2014)
- Wildfire! (2011)
Resources
- Kiefer, E. (2018). Humble Heart - A Shaker Tune : For Concert Band [score]. C. Alan Publications: Greensboro, N.C.
- Perusal score