Description
This powerful work is a tribute to the beauty of Appalachia and the resilience of the people who call this region home. Familiar melodies, such as “Black is the Color,” “Wayfaring Stranger,” and “Amazing Grace” are interwoven throughout.
Program Notes
After taking on this amazing project, I quickly realized that I wanted to compose a band piece that would not only capture the feel and sounds of the monster hurricane, but also touch upon the widespread devastation and loss experienced by so many. However, I didn’t want to end there—I also wanted to capture a bit of Appalachia, and the beauty of this magnificent, ancient area. Most importantly, I hoped to convey the incredible courage and strength of its people as they recovered from one of the worst natural disasters in American history.
This work is inspired by the majesty and resilience of the Appalachian region, beginning with the quiet trickle of rain as clouds gather over the mountains. Echoes of traditional Appalachian tunes set the scene, leading into a proud main theme—an “Asheville motif”—representing both the natural beauty and the enduring spirit of the people of the region. Solo passages highlight the rivers, streams, and ridges, while familiar melodies such as Black Is the Color and Wayfaring Stranger weave through the landscape, grounding the music in its cultural roots.
As the piece unfolds, the calm turns turbulent: rivers overflow, melodies fragment, and the music portrays the destructive power of the storm. Out of this turmoil, “Amazing Grace” emerges—first in a minor key, then transforming into a radiant, hopeful statement with rich harmonies and countermelodies. The return of the Asheville motif, now altered and strengthened, closes the piece, reflecting resilience and renewal as the mountains and rivers endure.
