Adam Chang

Wind Symphony
Jedwabnik 7
May 22, 2014
Band Reflection
In our globalized and fast-paced society, the opportunity to slow down and think only
comes in rare instances. The saddest of these opportunities are in the moments following mass
shootings, when society stops and dedicates a minute toward honoring the lost ones and working
to rebuild. George Eliot, British author, characterized this in his idea of how the dead are never
dead until they have been forgotten by us. Fifteen years and a few days ago, the Columbine
school massacre took place. While safety measures were mulled over and gun laws were heavily
debated, the victims and survivors found a true honoring of their courage and bravery in An
American Elegy, composed by Frank Ticheli, honoring those who lost their lives on April 20,
1999. The piece is published by Manhattan Beach Music and is available through J.W. Pepper
through catalog file reference 2448918 and is ranked a Medium.
The arrangement is extraordinary in its overlaying of a serene and moving piece with
compositional risks that make the song able to bring tears to the eyes of many audience
members. One of these is a lone trumpet part that begins off-stage and although remains discreet
and gentle, is prominently featured to resemble some kind of celestial gesture and heavenly cry.
The horn part is also incredibly moving, especially in the area around measure 79.

Across the piece, many parts are difficult in being technically challenging. This may
need to be accomplished by changing parts or reducing the complexity and structure, as many
middle-school ensembles have performed it rather well. However, the most significant challenge
in producing this piece is being able to do so emotionally and through showcasing a
commanding amount of respect. Fortunately, the piece does lend itself to be done so.
The piece is also great in teaching students regarding using music to create
moods/feelings, which showcase themselves in the intertwining of a song about sadness, hope,
and serenity. The piece is also significant in requiring the ensemble to truly function as one the
work itself serves as one reminder ofhow intimately connected we all are as human beings
(Frank Ticheli).
On a final secondary note, the Columbine High School Alma Mater is a choral piece that
was composed by Frank Ticheli as well, and is meant to be performed just before An American
Elegy. This would serve to give band members experience in performing with another ensemble,
introducing them to vocal and choral music. This SATB part is available for free at the
publishers site, http://www.manhattanbeachmusic.com/pdf/alma_mater.pdf.
At the end of the day, An American Elegy serves to honor all Americans who have lost
their lives or have been heavily affected by tragedy. From Columbine to 9/11 to the very recent
shootings at Fort Hood, the song serves as a remembrance of their courage and bravery in the
face of adversity. This practice of honoring lost ones and survivors in An American Elegy,
started by Frank Ticheli and perpetuated by the hundreds of performances of this song, truly
reflects the ideal that there is nothing wrong with America that cant be fixed by whats right
with America.