Dream a Dream

I know, this is the third "slow song" in a row that I've posted about. The next one I post about will be more up tempo, I promise. ;)

Today I've decided to talk about my first piece specifically written for middle school voices, Dream a Dream. This was a psuedo-commission, meaning that I sort of asked the commissioner to commission the piece. It went a little something like this...

When my daughter Annica was graduating from 8th grade at Appling Middle School in Bartlett, TN, the principal stood and read a poem written by a graduating 8th grader, Katelyn Clemmer.

Dream a dream today
And forget of yesterdays.
Dream a dream you never let go
for God who knows.
Dream a dream that
keeps you alive
For it lies ahead of us
for something that strives.
Dream a dream like you
never did before.
Dream a dream that
opens many doors.
So allow God to turn you
into a dreamer today.
For through this he can
use you In a mighty way.
Dream a dream that will last a lifetime.
The ones that come from above
For God will plant these dreams
In our lives as a way to show his love.
Dream a dream today.

I listened to the poem and thought it was quite lovely and would set nicely for the Appling Middle School Honor Choir. I contacted the principal who helped me get permission from Katelyn to use the poem. I then contacted Nick Wammack, the director of choirs at AMS and approached him about writing a piece for his choir. He was very enthusiastic about the project and helped me with voice ranges and skill level of his group.

The result was this piece, Dream a Dream, premiered by the AMS Honor Choir, of which my son Steven was a part, on May 19, 2016 with Nick Wammack conducting with yours truly at the piano.

The piece is set for three-part mixed choir and piano. It is completely accessible for middle school choirs.

The sheet music by following this link to CadenzaOne.com.