I Have A Dream

As the title suggests, I Have a Dream a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King." The piece parallels his famous speech in three sections: March on Washington, Trials and Tribulations, and Free At Last, which is a setting of the old Negro spiritual.

Program Notes

Dr. Martin Luther King's I Have a Dream speech was perhaps the single most important address of the 1960's. Delivered at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963, it was a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil rights in America. King's dramatic oratory offered the promise of racial equality for our country, and its impact led to the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

This composition parallels the famous speech in three sections. "March on Washington" sets a courageous tone for the event that brought over 250,000 people to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. "Trials and Tribulations" refers to that section in King's speech where he notes the injustice of the time and the hardship of change. He implores all people to work together peacefully for a country that is truly free for all. The speech ends with King's dream of that day when all people will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" A setting of this beautiful melody is the final section in this tribute to a great American and this important moment in our history.

Grade Level: 3
Copyright: 2005
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 4:00
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Programming: Patriotic
Category: Concert Band

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Instrumentation

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

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

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Triangle, Bells, 3 Toms)
Percussion 2 (Snare Drum, Bass Drum)
Percussion 3 (Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal)