With heart and voice David R. Gillingham

This is exhilarating! With "Heart & Voice" begins with a feeling of reticence and apprehension, and works through many emotions, finally growing into celebration with joyful and dramatic exuberance. What better way to celebrate than with our hearts and voices.

Composed in 2000 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Apple Valley High School, it is based on the hymn Come, Christians, Join to Sing which underlies the school alma mater. The piece opens with a restrained apprehensive musical atmosphere, quiet woodwinds and sparse percussion build a fragile mood in which the first motifs of the hymn appear. A lyrical flute solo section provides a counterpoint, joined by euphonium, saxophones and horns before a powerful fanfare outburst initiates the formal arc.After a dissonant, agitated transitional phase follows a solemn statement of the alma mater, which culminates in a fugal, at times hectic passage symbolizing challenges and progress.

In the finale all themes unite in a triumphant, exuberant conclusion that represents both musical and emotional climax and celebration at once. A compelling work that equally appeals to the heart and voice of orchestra and audience.