Emptying the Finale Folder

It has taken 16 years to finally get this one out.  “SunDancer” was written for a concert entitled “First Voices” in 2008, for The Texas Voices, Alan Dyer, Director.   It was only performed at that concert. The score has been updated many times, but has remained in Finale.  Now at last, I hope it’s ready to be out.

The concert was honoring our Native Americans.  It is scored for SATB and Native American Flute.  After a long search, I was able to find a poem by Wayne Scott, a Native American from Southern Manitoba, Canada.  I was finally able to find him and ask permission to use his poem, which he gave me.  I also had to do a lot of listening to Native American flutes to understand the tone and melodic feel of the instrument, and to build the vocal part around this sound. I was lucky to find a player, Cornell Kinderknecht, in the Dallas area and met with him for his help.  From Wayne we learn that the Sun Dance is a very sacred ceremony. “ A lodge has a tree in the center and is surrounded by other smaller trees and we sing our traditional songs. The tree is representative of Creation and it speaks to the people.  In the poem, it is this tree that is speaking to the reader.” I wanted you to read the poem before I hope you will listen to the recording.  Thank you.   

https://www.jwpepper.com/11581980.item#viewer-tab

I watched, as you came out

Walking with your head down, tears

In your heart

Wondering, always wondering.CC

We sang you a song, the wind and I

But you did not hear

We sing together, always

But no one hears.

I watched as you came forward

And sat down

Looking, always looking.

I danced in your eyes

But you did not see

I waved my arms and waited

As my leaves rustled about you.

It was not until you fell

And looked up

That you saw me, heard me

And recognized me.

I am the SunDancer

My leaves, rustling in the wind

Are my songs,

The sun and the moon

My eyes.

It was not until you

Found me and

Acknowledged me, That you gave me life,

I am the SunDancer, I dance in the sun.