Dream of Coming Home, A

A Dream of Coming Home was created and written for middle school through professional ensembles. Heavily cross-cued, it can be successfully performed with full or limited instrumentation as indicated.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 6:45

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1-2
Oboe 1-2
English Horn
Bassoon 1-2
Bb Clarinet 1-3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1-2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1-3
F Horn 1-2
Trombone 1-2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Double Bass

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Bells, Ocean Drum)
Percussion 2 (Crotales, Field Drum)
Percussion 3 (Chimes, Suspended Cymbal)
Percussion 4 (Bell Tree, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, Rain Stick)
Percussion 5 (Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Rain Stick)
Percussion 6 (Suspended Cymbal, Bass Drum)

Program Notes
A Dream of Coming Home is dedicated to those in service to our country who are stationed around the world. The piece depicts the dream-like thoughts of home that run through a person’s mind while slowly drifting off to sleep. The musical colors in the piece represent those sentiments and sounds: a stroll down a lane; tolling church bells; twittering birds; a gentle summer rain; distant thunder; thoughts of parents and family; and the anticipation of a grand homecoming celebration.

The main theme is simplistic yet beautiful – like the reminiscence of the comforts of home. The theme is presented three times in the piece, each time becoming stronger and more dominant. In the middle of the work, rainsticks represent the calmness of a gentle summer rain, but is interrupted by the entrance of drums announcing the reality of the here and now. This leads to the last grand statement of the main theme, which is heroic and brings with it a feeling of great contentment and hope. The work concludes as it began in a dream-like state of wonder. The final bell stroke brings a calm, peaceful smile as you sense you are finally home…

Thank you to all who serve this country and risk their lives to protect our freedom.

- John Carnahan