Amber Waves James A. Hirt

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2006
Piccolo 1/2
Flute 1 (3 players)
Flute 2 (3 players)
Oboe 1/2
English Horn
Bassoon 1/2
Eb Clarinet
Bb Clarinet 1 (2 players)
Bb Clarinet 2 (3 players)
Bb Clarinet 3 (3 players)
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1/2
Bb Trumpet 3/4
Bb Trumpet 5
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Tenor Trombone 1/2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba (1-3 players)
Contrabass

Piano
Synthetic Celeste
Harp

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Bells, Snare Drum, Woodblock, Large Suspended Cymbal, Crotales)
Percussion 2 (Large Suspended Cymbal, Vibraphone, Chimes, Large Tam-Tam)
In general Amber Waves is a celebration of American freedom inspired by several brilliant landscapes and sights from around our beautiful and blessed land. There are also several patriotic melodies heard in this composition – some are disguised or varied. Most notably what I view as the universal hymn of freedom, My Country 'Tis of Thee is the cornerstone of the work.

My Country 'Tis of Thee
Written by: Samuel Francis Smith

My country, 'tis of thee,
Sweet land of Liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride!
From ev'ry mountain side,
Let freedom ring!

My native country thee,
Land of the noble free,
Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills,
Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,
Like that above.

Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees,
Sweet freedom's song.
Let mortal tongues awake;
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break,
the sound prolong.

Our fathers' God, to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,
With freedom's holy light;
Protect us by Thy might,
Great God, our King!