Ward/Anon (Naplan) - An American Anthem

  
For 3-pt Treble voices, Horn in F and Piano

Commissioned by the Texas Choral Director's Association for the 2002 TCDA Elementary Honor Choir, Joan Gregoryk, Conductor

Special Note: The TCDA Recording of An American Anthem will be featured as a wake-up song on NASA's Columbia Mission STS-107

Program Note:
Throughout American history, music has played an integral role in our country's expression of patriotism.  Music, specifically song, has long provided an extensive repertoire of poetic lyrics and musical themes which has served to inspire a wide range of national emotions.  The true potiential of our patriotic songs, however, was perhaps never before so fully realized as after the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  From the significance of that day, American's collective singing voice gave way to a newly elevated presence for these patriotic songs, a presence that comforted, unified and enriched a nation in need.  An American Anthem is written with the intention of further enhancing this new presence for the patriotic standards, America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner.  By slightly changing the musical parameters and creating musical commonality between the two works, An American Anthem attempts to achieve a unity in song, similar to that of a nation brought together as never before.  - Allan E. Naplan

Performance Time:  ca. 5 minutes