We Walked with Heads Held High Roger Cichy

Narrator with Band
Number of Players:Standard + 1
Copyright:2006
Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet in Bb 1
Clarinet in Bb 2
Clarinet in Bb 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2
Trumpet in Bb 3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba
Narrator
Timpani
Percussion 1 (snare drum, bass drum, finger cymbals, triangle)
Percussion 2 (triangle, crash cymbals, suspended cymbal, wind chimes, vibraslap, concert tom)
Percussion 3 (chimes, bells, vibraphone)
Commissioned by the Ponaganset Middle School Wind Ensemble, We Walked with Heads Held High is a narrated work emphasizing one aspect of the American Civil Rights movement, the struggle for equality in public education. The monumental decision in 1954, Brown versus the Board of Education, overturning segregation in public education, sparked a series of confrontations where certain factions were resistant to this decision. In particular, the Little Rock Nine,' nine African American students selected to be integrated into an all-white school, ran up against resistance which continued to escalate until action was taken by the President of the United States to resolve the matter.

Therefore, the piece is a tribute in honor of all African Americans who fought for equality in one of America's most basic privileges, the right to receive a public education.