I performed American Eulogy in the Cupertino (CA) Symphonic Band under the direction of Bob Gomez (I play sax). I was blown away with emotion while playing it -- the offstage trumpet solo gets me every time. The second time I heard it was when my son performed it in the Cal State Honor Band (he plays french horn). It took the audience about ten seconds to catch their breath and compose themselves before they could applaud -- that`s the the real power of this piece.

I played it with my highschool band last spring. It was amazing. It remains my favorite symphonic band piece. I love it. It is such an emotionl piece.

I forgot to mention, I go to Trumbull H.S. in CT.

personal note: Scott S., you are not first chair in state honors band nor were you second chair in MYSO JW nor UWAY
(yes, both very prestigious, indeed)
Interesting to see you in this forum, however

Hey Hannah what own do u live because i go to N.F.A

I played it as a junior. I played alto sax for that concert, probably the first part. It may not be a technical piece, meaning the notes and rhythms aren`t hard, but it`s extremely difficult to play musically. If you think you are playing it musically, think about these questions: Is the whole band following the dynamics and using huge dynamic contrast? Are the phrases well shaped? Is everyone using the best tone that is always in tune?

I didn`t read this whole thread, but I did see quite a few entries from middle-schoolers. I`m sorry, but at that level more than likely you aren`t playing it quite the way it should be.

Yes, An american elegy is the best peice of music i have ever played. The song gives me chills when i hear it. My band director is also glad he found this peice of music. I play clarinet and im a freshman at Warren County High School. im 2nd chair out of 13. I should be 1st chair but i messed up on auditions. But An American elgy is a great peice i love it!

Yes, An american elegy is the best peice of music i have ever played. The song gives me chills when i hear it. My band director is also glad he found this peice of music. I play clarinet and im a freshman at Warren County High School. im 2nd chair out of 13. I should be 1st chair but i messed up on auditions. But An American elgy is a great peice i love it!

Hey every one!! As i am typeing this i am listening to this great peice of music. I play clarinet and im 2nd Chair out of 15. I have made many honor bands and i am a Freshman right now. My band is play An American Elegy for our next concert and for concert festival. I play 2nd clarinet i know thats kinda weird. See my band director came up with 1dt chair plays 1st clarient and 2nd plays 2nd third plays 3rd and then it goes 4th plays 1st and 5th plays 2nd and so on. I rele dont like the way he is doing that, but the 2nd plart in this peice seems better than the 1st part as thats what i think. I guess im going to have to get first chair next year!!!! But American Elegy is a great peice and i play the one player part for second clarinet and at least i get that.I highly recommend this peice but i think it is more for high school bands or honor bands becasue it is so hard to put together as a band. I am proud of my band becasue we are doing a great job at this.

I have played American Elegy before, and not too long ago, we won a sweepstakes with it. I am in the Mountain Home High School Band, and if you have any questions about it, please notify at No-Hope-Equals-No-Fear@hotmail.com...

- Dias Armada

I would just like to add that this is the only piece that has ever made me cry more than once. I never really realized the true power music has on emotions until I listened to An American Elegy. The off-stage trumpet solo runs shivers down my spine each time I hear it.

yes i played the song as a freshmen as part of the wren high symphonic band. it is by far the best song and the most moving. it gives everyone chills whether your playing it or listening to it. i hope to play this piece at least one more time before graduation in may. Anyone who has considered playing this piece but hasnt should definitely give it a shot it will take you places you never thought to go as a musician.
sincerely
Brad Burnett

I`m in a really small band in notrh tennessee and as a sophomore it`s been one of the "difficult" pieces we are playing just because our director doesn`t clean music like most he`s weird I guess but It`s an amazing piece and i love it. We also are playing The Gallant Seventh and The Assension as well as Third Suite so it`s definatly one of the easier peices, but there`s something about it we can`t grip yet and i don`t know.

I played it as a freshman in high school, and absolutly loved it! We even had the trumpet playing off in the distance--it was gorgeous!

It`s certainly hard to believe that in a week or two is the anniversary of those horrific shootings. I can`t believe that it was 6 years ago! Seems like just a few. I`m glad that we have this beautiful, wonderful piece of music that will touch our hearts and fill us with hope. Thank you for that Frank!