Ballad for Aisha Kimberly Archer

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2006
Flute 1/2
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet in Bb 1
Clarinet in Bb 2/3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet in Bb 1
Trumpet in Bb 2/3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Celeste
Bells
Vibes/Tam-Tam
Marimba/Crash Cymbals
Ballad for Aisha was commissioned by Linda and Thomas Dvorak in honor of their niece, Aisha Greene. The premiere performance was conducted by Linda Dvorak with the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble I on May 7, 2006 at Bader Concert Hall on the University campus.

In addressing the musical fabric of the piece, we asked the composer to write music with a gentle flow, with singing lyricism, filled with the soft timbres of keyboard mallet instruments, and intermingled with musical climaxes as one might experience in musicals, all mirroring Aisha’s gentle and warm personality, and her love for singing and listening to Broadway shows, especially “Annie.” The outcome of Kim Archer’s craft could not have been more perfect!

Aisha, like so many young children, loves music and sings constantly. She is learning how to play the recorder and looks forward to learning other instruments. Our goal was to share this commissioning with the extraordinary talents of the Wisconsin high school musicians of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Youth Wind Ensemble I. It is in effect, a sharing of music written for youth, performed by youth.

Through this commissioning, we hope that the lives of young people will be touched in a special way, just as Aisha and the Youth Wind Ensemble have touched our lives in a special way.