The Gathering of Eagles

by
Bob Baker
arranged by: Robert Buckley

Ensemble: Concert Band

Grade: 3

Duration: 04:00

Year of Composition: 2018

Commissioned by: WVYB Symphonic Band (Douglas Macaulay, director)

Premiered by: WVYB Symphonic Band (Douglas Macauley, director)

Date of Premiere: March 3, 2018

Publisher: Hal Leonard

Year of Publication: 2018

Publisher Catalog Number: 04005515

Available: Yes

How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase

Links:

Web Page

Sample Audio

Perusal Score 

Instrumentation

Flute 1,2
Oboe
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinet 1
B♭ Clarinet 2
B♭ Clarinet 3
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Sax 1,2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpet 1
B♭ Trumpet 2,3
F Horn 1,2
Trombone 1,2
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Percussion 1
Percussion 2
Percussion 3
Mallet Percussion 1
Mallet Percussion 2
Timpani

Also available in a version for Gr. 1 concert band, as Eagle Song.


Program Notes:

Music is uniquely human – it is our shared human language. Music can open doors, open minds and allow us to experience the essence of another culture. As work continues toward reconciling the past with the First Peoples of North America, it is also necessary to forge a shared path forward based on our commonalities rather than our differences. Music seems a very good place to start. Efforts are underway to include accurate First Nation’s content in schools and it is important to ask permission from the creators and caretakers of First Nation’s stories, art and music before including or adapting them for the wider community. This publication began as a conversation with Squamish Nation Cultural Adviser and performer, Bob Baker, who generously agreed to share a piece of his aural tradition - a song that he received many years ago. It took time for him to shape "Eagle Song" into the song it has become today, and now he has granted permission for Robert Buckley to expand it into a work for concert band. The result is a remarkably beautiful piece that honours Squamish Nation tradition and allows us all to share a small part of this rich culture. Our hope in commissioning this work is that it will foster a deeper love, respect and understanding for the people and culture of the Squamish Nation (and all First Nations) through shared music.

(Douglas Macaulay, via Robert Buckley)