Lessons from Mother Earth
I. Awakenings
II. Carpe Diem
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This work has been inspired by the children’s book Lessons from Mother Earth written by Canadian author Elaine McLeod (Na-Cho Nyak Dun First Nation) with illustrations by Colleen Wood. The text explores the need to love and respect the Earth and all the gifts that it affords. This occurs through the eyes of a Granddaughter as she spends a day with her Grandmother, gathering natural produce from the plants that surround her Grandmother’s home. Hence, the musical composition is shaped around the familiar happenings that occur in the life of a human child. The first light that stirs us from sleep, the moment when we awaken from our dreams, through to a full stretch and rise. The music then elevates in volume and complexity to represent activity and purpose. The piece ends as it begins; quietly and humbly as we return to our slumber and need for rejuvenation. Early in the work you will hear ‘windy soundscapes’ interrupt the musical activity, representing the soul and voice of Mother Earth. Each of these soundscapes has been composed by the students themselves.
INSTRUMENTATION: Please see perusal score above
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Commissioned by the University of British Columbia Conducting Symposium Consortium hosted by Dr. Robert Taylor, Director of Bands:
W.J. Mouat Secondary School, Janet Wade (Abbotsford, British Columbia)
American Community School, Christopher Ward (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Mulgrave Schools, Mark Steffens (West Vancouver, British Columbia)
Seaquam Secondary School, Jill Sparrow-Ng (Delta, British Columbia)
Seycove Secondary School, Risa McDonell (North Vancouver, British Columbia)
Tristan Roush, Kent, WA