PROJECT : ENCORE™: National holidays

Although Valley of Silence is a lengthy one movement work, there are various tempi, colors, and moods in the piece as they follow Rev. Ryan's post Civil War poem. This particular poem  is from Ryan's later writings and is sweeter yet more powerful compared to the earlier bitterness of his post war poems. The poem's message of blocking out the “noise” and busyness of our world applies even more today than the times after the Civil War.

The AHS Bel Canto Chorale Men were invited to perform a concert as a featured chorus for the TMEA Convention in 2008.  They commissioned me to write this piece to not only showcase their talent but also to pay respects to a local family who lost their son in the military.
 

Featured in national media, including a feature on the Rachel Maddow show http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/vp/32683512#32683512