American Dream, An

Brian Slawson

11 Players

Medium Concert Percussion

Instrumentation: 

• Trumpet in B-flat
• Crotales (2 octaves)
• Glockenspiel
• Chimes
• Vibraphone
• Xylophone
• Marimba — low A
• 4 Timpani
• Drums — concert snare drum, field drum, marching snare drum, 2 toms, concert bass drum
• Cymbals & gongs — 2 suspended cymbals, 2 pairs crash cymbals (one w/ BD attachment), tam-tam
• Accessories — cowbell, 4 temple blocks

An American Dream by Brian Slawson is an emotional showpiece for large percussion ensemble that weaves together familiar elements of Americana. Arranged in a cinematic style, the piece begins with a traditional drum cadence that gradually becomes modernized as it approaches and reaches a powerful climax. It then transitions into a blissful dream sequence lead by the metallic keyboard instruments. The surreal setting continues as a distant, somber offstage trumpet reverently plays Taps. Finally, the music grows into a rousing and celebratory Sousa-style parade march. Although An American Dream tells a clear story on its own, it's an ideal piece for underscoring patriotic video presentations as well.

An American Dream ships as a printed, professionally bound score and includes individual parts in PDF format for printing or tablet viewing.