 Submitted by Matthew Klenk
ACDA-PA High School R&R Chair “The Soul of a Tree” - Amy Bernon Santa Barbara recently published this exquisite work by Amy Bernon, which was named a runner-up prize in ACDA’s first ever “Pearl Prize” competition. The competition asked composers to create a work with “the beauty yet simplicity of a pearl”, and this piece truly delivers on that front. In this current school year, we find ourselves a year further removed from the height of the pandemic. While many ensembles are in better shape than they were last fall, they are still dealing with the fallout of decreased numbers, relatively inactive programs, and students who have lacked performance opportunities. Personally, I’ve come to place a high value on pieces that aren’t terribly difficult to teach and learn, but allow my students to sound excellent and grow in their confidence as singers - “The Soul of a Tree” is most definitely one of those types of pieces. The music and the text both serve to give the piece a strong sense of nostalgia. The choir sings of how “the soul of a tree sings an ancient song” while dorian mode harmony is prominently featured, making the music feel both heavy and optimistic. There are two sections that can be sung by an optional smaller group, giving directors some flexibility and control over the texture. The highlight of the piece is a soaring melismatic passage sung entirely on an “ah” vowel that leads the choir to a final restatement of the work’s opening phrases. “The Soul of a Tree” also features a wonderfully written piano accompaniment, which could provide a chance to highlight a pianist within your program. A perusal score and recording can be found on Santa Barbara’s website. I highly recommend giving this piece a look, especially to those high school directors out there! Comments are closed.
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