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Mother of a Revolution, A

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Omar Thomas

Omar Thomas


Subtitle: Honoring Marsha P. Johnson


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 4:10
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Omar Thomas
Cost: Score and Parts (digital) - $140.00   |   (digital) - $25.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo
Flute I-II-III
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
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Bongos
  • Conga
  • Drum Set
  • Marimba
  • Ratchet
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tam-Tam
  • Triangle
  • Waterphone
  • Whip


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This piece is a celebration of the bravery of trans women, and in particular Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson. Marsha is credited with being one of the instigators of the famous Stonewall uprising of June 28,1969 -- one of the pivotal events of the LGBTQ liberation movement of the 20th century -- which is commemorated annually during the worldwide Gay Pride celebrations. Existing as a trans woman, especially a trans woman of color, and daring to live authentically, creating space for oneself in a transphobic world, is one of the bravest acts I can imagine. Over 20 trans women were murdered in the United States in 2018 alone. There is no demographic more deserving and, frankly, long overdue for highlighted heroism and bravery. The disco vibe in the latter half of the piece is meant to honor club culture, a sacred space held amongst LGBTQ persons in which to love, live, mourn, heal, strategize, connect, disconnect, and dance in defiance of those outside forces who would seek to do LGBTQ persons harm simply for daring to exist and take up space.

We pump our fists to honor the life, heroism, activism, and bravery of Marsha P. Johnson, to honor the legacy of the Stonewall revolution, to honor the memory of the trans lives violently ended due to fear and hatred, and in honor of trans women worldwide who continue to exist Unapologetically and who demand to be seen.

This piece was commissioned by the Desert Winds Freedom Band, under the direction of Dean McDowell, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.

- Program Note by composer


Police raids of gay bars frequently occurred during the 1950s and 1960s. In the early hours of June 28, 1969, member of the New York City Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn. Patrons resisted arrest and a scuffle broke out. A crowd of protesters grew, and a clash between demonstrators and police ensued for several hours. Protests and riots continued for six days.

- Program Note from 'Teaching Music through Performance in Band. Volume 12


Commercial Discography

None discovered thus far.


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Wind Ensemble (Christopher J. Woodruff, conductor) – 6 June 2021
  • Cleveland State University (Ohio) Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Birch Browning, conductor) - 23 May 2021
  • Henderson State University (Arkadelphia, Ark.) Symphony Band (Dontay L. Douglas, conductor) - 11 April 2021
  • Butler University (Indianapolis, Ind.) Wind Ensemble (Michael Colburn, conductor) - 11 March 2021
  • West Chester University (Penn.) Wind Symphony (M. Gregory Martin, conductor) - 28 February 2021
  • Churchville-Chili High School (Churchville, N.Y.) Wind Ensemble (Allison Chipman, conductor) - February 2021
  • Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minn.) Wind Orchestra (Heidi Johanna Miller, conductor) - 6 December 2020
  • Wayne (Neb.) State College Wind Ensemble (David Bohnert, conductor) - 17 November 2020
  • Southeastern Louisiana University (Hammond) Wind Symphony (Victor Drescher, conductor) - 20 October 2020
  • University of North Florida (Jacksonville) Wind Symphony (Erin Bodnar, conductor) - 12 October 2020
  • Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) Symphonic Band (Cliff Croomes, conductor) – 10 March 2020
  • Texas State University (San Marcos) Symphonic Winds (Kyle Glaser, conductor) – 5 March 2020
  • University of Kansas (Lawrence) Symphonic Band (Matthew O. Smith, conductor) – 2 March 2020
  • University of Kentucky (Lexington) Symphony Band (George R. Boulden, conductor) – 1 March 2020
  • University of Illinois (Champaign) Hindsley Symphonic Band (Anthony Messina, conductor) – 28 February 2020
  • Purdue University Fort Wayne (Ind.) Symphonic Band (Daniel Tembras, conductor) – 27 February 2020
  • University of the Incarnate Word (San Antonio, Tx.) Wind Ensemble (Brett A. Richardson, conductor) – 23 February 2020
  • Purdue University (West Lafayette, Ind.) Symphonic Band (Matt Conaway, conductor) - 22 February 2020
  • University of Texas (Austin) Wind Symphony (Scott Hanna, conductor) – 5 April 2019 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by this Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

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