Hymn to the Dawn

Composed in memory of the composer's first composition teacher, Hymn to the Dawn conveys a sense of beauty and longing. Although the title suggests moving forward, the music is meant to reflect the unresolved nature of our relationships with loved ones who have now passed on.

Program Notes

Hymn to the Dawn was originally the second movement of a work for brass quintet. It was composed in memory of Charlie Carter, Staff Arranger for the Florida State University Marching Chiefs and one of my first composition teachers. Charlie became seriously ill while I was at graduate school. I was reluctant to face the severity of his illness and hesitated to call him in the hospital; as a result, he passed away before I had a chance to say goodbye. Although the title suggests moving forward, the music is meant to reflect the unresolved nature of my relationship with Charlie.

- Kimberly K. Archer

Grade Level: 2
Copyright: 2004
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 3:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Concert Band

Listen to Recordings

Instrumentation

Flute 1/2
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1, 2, 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1, 2, 3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Baritone
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (chimes, bells)
Percussion 2 (marimba, crash cymbals)
Percussion 3 (suspended cymbal, snare drum)