"Of Our New Day Begun" - Omar Thomas (performed by the JMU Wind Symphony)

"Of Our New Day Begun” was written to honor nine beautiful souls who lost their lives to a callous act of hatred and domestic terrorism on the evening of June 17, 2015 while worshipping in their beloved sanctuary, the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (affectionately referred to as “Mother Emanuel”) in Charleston, South Carolina. My greatest challenge in creating this work was walking the line between reverence for the victims and their families, and honoring my strong, bitter feelings towards both the perpetrator and the segments of our society that continue to create people like him. I realized that the most powerful musical expression I could offer incorporated elements from both sides of that line - embracing my pain and anger while being moved by the displays of grace and forgiveness demonstrated by the victims’ families.
Historically, black Americans have, in great number, turned to the church to find refuge and grounding in the most trying of times. Thus, the musical themes and ideas for “Of Our New Day Begun” are rooted in the Black American church tradition. The piece is anchored by James and John Johnson’s time-honored song, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” (known endearingly as the “Negro National Anthem”), and peppered with blues harmonies and melodies. Singing, stomping, and clapping are also prominent features of this work, as they have always been a mainstay of black music traditions, and the inclusion of the tambourine in these sections is a direct nod to black worship services.
This work received its premiere on February 20, 2016 at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference, held at The Gaillard Center in Charleston, South Carolina. Members of the Mother Emanuel AME congregation were in attendance.
This work was commissioned by a consortium led by Dr. Gary Schallert & Dr. Jeff Bright of Western Kentucky University to honor the nine victims and families of the June 17, 2015 terrorist attack on Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC.
The members of the consortium are as follows:
Arkansas State University - Dr. Tim Oliver, Director of Bands
Castle HS, Castle IN - Tom Dean, Director of Bands
Centennial HS, Las Cruces, NM - Joseph Flores, Director of Bands
Charleston Southern University - Dr. Marshall Forrester, Director of Bands
Cleveland HS, Cleveland, TN - Jim Burton, Director of Bands
Colorado State University - Dr. Rebecca Phillips, Director of Bands
Dobyns Bennett HS, Kingsport, TN - Lafe Cook, Director of Bands
Eldorado HS, Albuquerque, NM - Brad Dubbs, Director of Bands
Franklin HS, Franklin, TN - David Aydelott, Director of Bands
Franklin Central HS, Indianapolis, IN - Audrey Peterson-Torres, Director of Bands
Georgia Institute of Technology - BJ Diden, Assistant Director of Bands
Goose Creek HS, Charleston, SC - Jenny Collins, Director of Bands
Iowa State University - Dr. Michael Golemo, Director of Bands
James Madison University - Dr. Stephen Bolstad, Director of Bands
Klein Oak HS, Spring, TX - Todd Clearwater, Director of Bands
La Cueva HS, Albuquerque, NM - John Converse, Director of Bands
Marywood University - Dr. Fred David Romines, Director of Bands
Michigan State University - Dr. Kevin Sedatole, Director of Bands
Mountain Ridge HS, Glendale, AZ - George Hattendorf, Director of Bands
Murray State University - Dennis Johnson, Director of Bands
New Mexico State University - Dr. Christopher Hughes, Director of Bands
North Carolina State University - Dr. Paul Garcia, Director of Bands
Oldham HS, LaGrange, KY - Brad Rogers, Director of Bands
Ravenwood HS, Brentwood, TN - Mark Kinzer, Director of Bands
Sacred Wind Ensembe - Dr. Scott Bersaglia, conductor
Sam Houston State University - Dr. Matthew McInturf, Director of Bands
Santa Clara University - Dr. Douglas Harris, Director of Bands
Tennessee State University - Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands
Texas A&M University - Dr. Timothy Rhea, Director of Bands
University of Missouri - Dr. Brad Snow, Director of Bands
University of New Mexico Wind Symphony - Eric Rombach-Kendall, conductor
University of Northern Colorado - Dr. Kenneth Singleton, Director of Bands
University of Toledo - Dr. Jason Stumbo, Director of Bands
University of Wisconsin, Madison - Dr. Scott Teeple, Director of Bands
Vanderbilt University, Blair School of Music - Dr. Tom Verrier, Director of Wind Ensembles
_____________________________________________
"Of Our New Day Begun"
composed by Omar Thomas
performed by the James Madison University Wind Symphony
Dr. Stephen Bolstad, director
Omar Thomas, guest conductor
April 6, 2016
Aaron Robinson, oboe
Adam Gough, alto saxophone
video by Dr. Eric Guinivan
audio recording, mixing, and mastering by Tom Carr
videography by Frankie LeRoux
www.omarthomas.com

[@brokencablemusic]

okay but that bass trombone tho

[@thomasyu254]

the composer plays bass trombone so that comes as little a surprise lol

[@AnnaZverina]

I saw Mr. Thomas rehearse this with the TMEA All-State group. Nothing beats standing directly behind the French horns and trombones during their licks at 4:25.

[@Mynigameguy710]

As Black composer in college, finding your channel and this piece is inspiring. Also this piece is really impactful to me.

[@KevinLeroyGrant]

I'm just a freshmen, but I have got to say, it's hard being a Black composer in college.

[@hookyhook6006]

I’m a wannabe composer myself, and I feel you. I wish you the best of luck dude. Power through

[@emilyswope6642]

I remember being there at this premiere. I wished I could've been in the ensemble that performed this, but in some ways I'm glad I was able to experience it as an audience member. Listening to this live may have been the greatest musical experience of my life - the emotion of the piece and the atmosphere in the room were indescribable. I still can't listen to this without getting teary because of the background, the message, the composition, and the use of Lift Every Voice and Sing. I'm so thankful I was able to be there for the premiere, and that this recording lets me continue to experience it. Mr. Thomas, your music is so inspiring and powerful, especially as hateful people push back against the movement for racial equality and justice. As cliche as it may sound, thank you for writing this.

[@gwengars]

i played the oboe solo for this piece in my high school wind ensemble and it’s the only time a solo has given me chills while i’m playing

[@kyraliz106]

I cannot count how many times I have listened to this piece. So so many different recordings and yet it never fails to make me emotional and move me in a way that many pieces fail to. This piece holds a very special place in my heart, especially after performing with Mr. Thomas and several other schools as well as the Long Island Wind Ensemble.

[@Kassouga5]

Today I heard my students do this in the Maryland All State Senior Band. The ending sent chills through me, I could hear the beat of the feet from every march for justice. Powerful.

[@85fantasia]

I just heard Wayne State University perform this tonight in Detroit. I was in tears from the third chord. This cuts deep when you used to sing it every day in school after the Pledge of Allegiance and My Country Tis of Thee. This is SO powerful. Thank you Mr. Thomas.

[@peytonpieeee]

85fantasia as one of the performers in the Wayne State ensemble, I want to thank you for coming to our performance last year. This was one of my favorite pieces to perform. Everyone in the ensemble was super passionate and emotional, and we really tried to portray that in the music. Thank you.❤️

[@85fantasia]

@@peytonpieeee thank YOU for making my first time hearing it this piece so memorable.

[@cmebans35]

Phenomenal

[@kenjoyner5471]

This is the third time I’ve listen to this piece and the second time it is reduced me to a blubbering puddle of man-tears. I really love this work!

[@19kameleon82]

My entire face just balled up! My Gawd today!

[@dculp9284]

This piece was played at the NYSSMA All-State Conference by the high school All-State Symphonic Band this past December 2018 at the Eastman Theater here in Rochester, NY. I was in the audience as my son had participated in the choir that day, but I am so grateful we were able to stay and hear the Symphonic Band. It was thoughtfully introduced by the conductor, and by the end I think everyone in the hall knew we had experienced something remarkable and powerful together. The intentions you spoke of above truly came through in the music - honor, reverence, bitter anger, pain, grace, forgiveness. This was not the final piece the band played that day, but it brought the entire theater to its feet, and I could tell I was not the only one with tears in my eyes. Thank you for your work. The Eastman Wind Orchestra will also be playing this piece in February and I will certainly be attending.

[@hollytaylor1655]

That's awesome! I just played that in All-State band this past March in Georgia!

[@andymilstenmusic8520]

Hello! I know I’m almost 6 years late lol but let me say a big thanks to you sir for the diverse music you have presented to the wind band world. These last few years have been all about coming together as one and realizing that we are all the same. Sadly a lot of people have still not gotten that message and it really angers me because we’ve been stepping on each other for too long which means it’s time to rise up and to do it together!!! Discrimination needs to end now and I am very happy and proud of the fact that we are having people of other races, ethnicities, etc. pursuing heavy interest in the classical music world such as yourself. You should be proud of what you’ve done for the wind band community…The level of diversity you present needs to be known more and more as well as to be respected. I first discovered you when we played your very interesting arrangement of Shenandoah in band at our winter concert, when I first heard it I was blown away by the extreme use of dissonant chords and flush harmonies! It was nice to be able to play something different from what we would normally play. The black community needs to stop looking back and start to rise up in the academic world. There’s no need to feel ashamed. It’s not your fault what happened, so therefore be proud and not ashamed!! You are doing a fabulous job of bringing African American people together in your music. I’m not religious but I do have something to say: GOD BLESS YOU SIR!!!

[@TheHoneyDrop1990]

Can’t stop coming back to this piece, pure emotion and soul in this and I can’t help but shedding a tear every time. Amazing job!

[@oliviawitcher8855]

My high school wind orchestra is playing this piece at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival and it makes me tear up every time I hear it. Beautiful, meaningful piece.

[@BitTanner]

The only time this piece sounds Perfect is with the low bass reeds come in with that power😭

[@smooth8334]

my high school band in south carolina is playing this song in indiana for nationals‼️

[@charlottevolpe1784]

Played this in my community band just under a year ago. Our conductor (who's white) says this is a struggle that he, and so many others, know nothing of. Bravo Omar!

[@cmebans35]

Congratulations! God bless you

[@TheGodsMustBeCrazy]

I played timpani on this piece in my college band. It's a beautiful tribute and composition. Hats off to Mr. Thomas!

[@jessicagarcia7105]

Charleston is my favorite place in the world and when this happened, it shook me HARD! Thank u for writing such an amazing piece to honor the Mother Emanuel Nine! All they wanted to do was help that boy!!

[@elitelokkz]

My sinuses started acting up

[@ClevelandPJones]

You are Stellar! Thank you for this, Omar.

[@OmarThomasMusic]

+Cleveland P. Jones Thank you for taking the time, Cleveland!

[@michelleleano8806]

I heard the University of Hawaii perform this piece yesterday and I had goosebumps. Thank you so much for sharing this piece, and most importantly, the story of the Charleston 9.

[@jeremy112898]

Absolutely loved listening to the piece! Amazing job.

[@austinsmith8967]

A beautiful tribute and an awe inspiring work of art! Wonderful job Mr. Thomas! Glad to have my school, Sam Houston State University, apart of the consortium!

[@omarthomas1201]

I'm grateful that your school is a part of the commission as well!

[@superpanda99999]

A truly incredible piece of music

[@willrucker73]

This is awesomeness

[@aakashmittalmusic]

Fantastic music and great conducting. Such an inspiration to watch and listen to!

[@Arjun-jq1wx]

yo the Honors Wind Ensemble at Longhorn Music Camp is playing this and Deep Field by Eric Whitacre in under a month. HYPE

[@ethangeorge4499]

Just started looking at the bass clarinet excerpts see you there

[@epiklizard6629]

first last me too, they don’t look too bad but those low Cs look awesome

[@HiItsAveryLOL]

it’s in two days and i haven’t looked at my part too much so hopefully i can pull something off 😂😂

[@epiklizard6629]

Avery Elizabeth good luck 😝

[@pisa2c]

We, the Portland state university wind symphony, are going to play this piece in January!!! It is such a beautiful piece much love from Portland

[@SaxandRelax]

Which Portland, west or best?

[@owright369]

My God, this is beautiful!!!

[@denizustunkaya1196]

This is fire ngl

[@labellagine]

Wow. Wow.

[@CalebHammerComposer]

This is truly wonderful

[@ladybugnaturalsolutions3418]

Excellent job, that was powerful

[@lovermuzak]

Wow, this was so good

[@aberdeenmiddle6869]

Amazing!

[@ElidiaW]

THISSSSS!! Is beautiful

[@hissweetbaboo]

wow!! we are going to practice this piece for concert band!! hope we get to play it for our upcoming concert!

[@gabemcmillen8843]

moving very good

[@chia-huihuang2743]

Thank you

[@mafra61]

Great composition and performance !!!

[@cmebans35]

Absolutely The conductor is also superb

[@SaxandRelax]

Doing this for all state in WV!

[@ericvigeland4177]

Seriously brilliant.

[@tavonnamiller]

Very well done!!

[@OmarThomasMusic]

+Tavonna Miller Much love, Tavonna! I can't wait for your new project!

[@theodorehowe9757]

Whoa. Speechless. So captivating!

[@omarthomas1201]

+Theodore Howe Much appreciated, sir!

[@heidisavoie]

absolutely beautiful.... thanks for sharing!

[@wuhyun2643]

4:25

[@PSUsaxophone]

3:22

[@ellagrace1534]

[@wuhyun2643]

3:54

[@jaimesalas166]

3:50

[@danieldunmire6841]

4:20