Roots of Renewal

Six movements for choir, soloists, piano (optional wind ensemble on last movement).

24 minutes.

Movements may be performed separately.

In November of 2002, I was hired by a consortium of organizations headed by Grinnell College's Faulconer Gallery to compose a piece of music depicting rural Iowan’s hopes and aspirations for the future for the American Composer's Forum's Continental Harmony Project. What I found echoes the concerns and anticipations found in other areas of the American Midwest and, in many ways, the United States and the world - a yearning for old times mixed with hopes for a better life for our children.

Roots of Renewal is in six movements. The first three touch on the special nature of towns on the prairie - their history and the wellspring of life from its position on some of the most fertile farmland in the world. The fourth touches on the sadness of many in the town, the “long ago I cherished…” feelings of many but, as is so typical of the citizens, this sadness is blended with a great resilience and hope. The fifth movement is a brief blessing – indicative of the importance of the local churches to the fabric of life. The final movement is both a summation and a challenge. The text states, “And to oppose the coming dark that steals upon us one by one - I stand and hold my tiny arc against a circle of the sun.”

What is your gift? What is your shining light? What is your “tiny arc” that you will add to your community? I do not have an answer to such questions - only time will reveal their secrets.

All sound clips taken from the World Premiere Performance by the middle school, high school and community ensembles of Grinnell, Iowa on November 16, 2003 under the direction of Roger Henderson.