American Reflections
for concert band (2026)
Grade 5
American Reflections was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The piece draws on motifs from iconic American melodies, including America the Beautiful and The Star-Spangled Banner, weaving the tunes in and out of the musical texture alongside original material. Harmonically, the work explores various tonal centers, taking the tunes through various keys and styles as a depiction of the drastic changes the country has undergone since its inception. Unexpected chord progressions are employed underneath familiar melodies as a nod to the tradition of midcentury composers like Charles Ives, who found creative, personal harmonic language within the folk and patriotic material he set.
Beyond its musical construction, American Reflections contemplates the American story itself: one marked by change and adversity, but also by an enduring thread of unity beneath it. This piece represents my interpretation of a country where for 250 years, its people have thrived and prevailed through all — and will continue to do so.
Listen (MIDI Rendering):
INSTRUMENTATION
Piccolo
Flute
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Contra Alto Clarinet
Contrabass Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
Horn 1
Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion (3 players):
1: Snare Drum
2: Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, Brake Drum
3: Chimes, Suspended Cymbal, Wood Block