Op. 08 Native Voices Collection
The Opus 08 Native Voices Collection began as a piece dedicated to a community string orchestra located in Averill Park, NY. The Averill Park region is steeped in Native American history, evidenced by many Native American names attached to local landmarks, such as streams, roads, and schools (e.g. Algonquin Middle School). Thus, the Native Voices collection was conceived to commemorate this unique Native American heritage.
The collection began as a three-movement suite for string orchestra. It eventually came to include a piece (Op. 08 No. 04) for violin and piano. Op. 08 No. 01 has been scored for Flute and Native Percussion (Op. 02 Rhythmic Voices: Traditional Ensembles No. 13), Marimba Choir (Op. 02 Rhythmic Voices: Percussion Ensembles No. 12), and Synthesizer (Op. 02 Rhythmic Voices: Fantasy Voices No. 12). Op. 08 No. 02 has been scored for Flute and Native Percussion (Op. 02 Rhythmic Voices: Traditional Ensembles No. 14), and Marimba Choir (Op. 02 Rhythmic Voices: Percussion Ensembles No. 13).
The thematic and rhythmic elements employed in the suite are not inspired by any specific Native American music. Rather, they represent the composer’s vision, inspired by the knowledge that Native American communities and culture once permeated the Averill Park region. Indeed, as one hikes through the hills and valleys of the region one can imagine the long-lost voices of the Native American residents echoing from the past.
Preview or Download Any of the Tracks From the Op. 08 Native Voices Collection A complete list of the pieces in the collection is provided in the Op. 08 Native Voices Collection Content List. You can preview or download any pieces from the Op. 08 Native Voices Collection from
SoundCloud.