One World, Many Voices

One World, Many Voices, op. 246
American Bandmasters Association
2023 – grade 3 – 1:20

View sample score

The American Bandmasters Association established a committee in 2022 charged with developing a clear position statement and guidance to conductors nationwide regarding the various "reflective" programming needs for American bands.  This includes the presentation of a short reflective statement with optional underscore that may be used as an introduction to our National Anthem, Amazing Grace, America the Beautiful or other similar pieces.

The statement is as follows:

In the midst of life’s most challenging events, it is important for us to look inward and outward to reconnect with that universal voice, that voice that ties us together as humans living and growing in a single world. That world is our gemstone with many facets. Yet, when we focus with greater vision, we see the larger entity, that priceless gem called life. Let’s raise our voices to remember our past, honor our present and express hope for our collective future. One world, many voices and a symphony of song.

I am proud to have been invited to contribute to this project along with several other ABA composer members.  We were each asked to select a grade level in which to write the underscore to the narration, which has been recorded with both a male and female voice, and is also being translated into several languages for use worldwide.  I selected the grade 3 assignment, and am honored to know that it was selected to be performed on the shores of Normandy during the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024.

All of the recorded narrations and pieces associated with this wonderful project (grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and marching band) will be available on the ABA website soon along with the recordings of each piece by the United States Air Force Band under the direction of Col. Don Schofield.  I will provide a link when that is ready. The music will be free to everyone as the composers (Thomas Duffy, Dana Wilson, Robert Sheldon, Robert W. Smith and Brian Balmages) provided these pieces royalty-free and copyright-free for worldwide use by bands everywhere.  Until then, the score and audio of my contribution to this project can be viewed and heard above.