Greatest Generation, The Greg Danner

Narrator with Band
Number of Players:Standard + 1
Copyright:2011
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe 1
Oboe 2
Bassoon 1
Bassoon 2
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1/2
F Horn 3/4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
Baritone T.C.
Tuba

Narrator

Timpani (4)
Percussion 1 (Crash Cymbals, Chimes, Triangle, Bells, 4.5-octave Marimba)
Percussion 2 (Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, 4 Concert Toms)
Percussion 3 (Snare Drum)
Percussion 4 (Bass Drum, Drum Set)
Inspired by Tom Brokaw's eloquent testament to the World War II generation, the music sets the background for a reading of four soldiers' letters that highlight the emotion of those difficult times and the victorious struggle to preserve our freedom.

During the war, letters to and from home were the thread that connected loved ones. For many young men, the carefree days of youth were abruptly interrupted by war. Art Nicholl's letter to his mother captures the innocence of youth and the uncertainty of the times. John Lingenfelter, serving in the Navy from 1943 to the end of the war, left before his wife could give birth to their first child. His letter to his unseen daughter, Barbara Anne, is a beautiful and heartwarming message. Private Alfred Birra, in a letter written to his wife shortly after D-Day, chronicles his personal experience landing at Normandy and participating in the epic battle that would lead to the collapse of Hitler's Germany. Dr. Robert Cromer's reflective letter touches on those qualities that made this generation great, and would lead them to build the nation we have today.

"The Greatest Generation" was commissioned by the American School Band Directors Association and premiered at their 57th Annual Convention held in Nashville, Tennessee.