Description
An introspective lyrical work with a powerful message, “All that We Are” is as perfect for a concert performance as it is on the assessment stage. Carol Brittin Chambers pulls at our heartstrings and asks us to look inward for purpose and hope.
Recording used with permission Mark Records 7229-MCD Coppell High School Wind Symphony 2023 Midwest Clinic
Program Notes
“All That We Are” was commissioned by Perform America – TX, LLC for the Coppell High School Wind Symphony, Kim Shuttlesworth, director, for the 2023 Midwest Clinic, in honor and loving memory of Scott Mason. According to his dear friends, Sally and Jon Bohls, Scott Mason was a uniquely gifted man. He believed so deeply in the power of music. His dedication to teaching and empowering children was a lifelong endeavor. He started his teaching career in Snyder, TX in 1980. He then moved to Crane, TX, where he had a 3A honor band in 1991. Scott moved to Coppell, TX in 1991 and built the foundation for the incredible band programs in Coppell ISD. He was relentless in his desire to bring excellence to all levels and in all areas of performance. Coppell won the 4A state marching contest in the 1999–2000 school year. Coppell also won the 4A honor band title in 1998. Under Scott’s direction, the Coppell band earned numerous high honors and awards. The individual students under his direction won many awards as well. Scott would say his success was directly due to surrounding himself with the most talented teachers he could find and then encouraging them to give their best efforts all of the time.
Scott loved classical music. However, his heart was truly moved by church music. Scott was a man of strong faith. He understood that music is not only the universal language, but music allows us to transcend the mundane. He felt music was a pathway to achieving our dreams.
“All That We Are” is mostly inspired by the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” (Scott’s favorite hymn). However, I also learned that one of Scott’s favorite concert works was “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” which then influenced my choice of woodwind colors and scoring for the opening phrase.
Throughout the writing process, I continuously ruminated about Scott’s dedication to his band program and to the profession in general, and his commitment to serious, mature literature. So in addition to simply creating a “pretty tune,” I tried to incorporate powerful and emotional moments as well. The ending is meant to portray a final feeling of rest and peace.
Additional information
| bundle |
|---|
