Katahj Copley - When Heaven Cries (California All State Junior High Symphonic Band) CASMEC 2022

The piece is titled this because I wanted to take a spiritual approach to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and some many that have lost their l ives. The piece is viewed from the perspective of heaven- with anger and sadness filling the piece to the climax- depicting rain and a storm of emotion. In the very beginning, the listener is in the middle of loss and tragedy from the perspective of Earth- there is turmoil and anger. I incorporate dissonant tones to give the dark colors of a dark time. As the beginning begins to morph, whispers emerge from the ensemble with chants and words heard countless times. From the final dissonant point, the piece moves into the scenery of heaven. Angels gather as the melody represents the souls of the victims heading to the afterlife. From there, the pain of loss and tragedy becomes too much and the skies cry. The climax of the piece is the melody but augmented to fill each beat with pain. Heaven is crying. However with storms comes the phenomenon of rainbows- giving hope after the storm.
The title comes from this quote, "When Heaven Cries, it rages like a storm- a storm of pain and anger...but after the storm comes the rainbow. I end the piece with the introduction of a rainbow- giving hope for tomorrow and hope for a better future.
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[@alecrodriguez7074]

so so so thankful i got to hear this live. the part at 4:06 gave chills, i remember looking at my friend, it was so beautiful. i don't know the words to explain this other than gorgeous. thank you for your work

[@isaackim4137]

this was amazing. My school band might be using it for spring concert and I’m excited for being able to play it again

[@NoahSaxophone]

I think you go to my school

[@nicholasl49losgangsters]

Just played it for the 2023 MS all state band with Mrs. Floyd and Loved the piece! Loved the part at 3:11 where I got to blast my instrument! Thank you for composing such an amazing piece!

[@AntonioBrownsNeurosurgeon]

Me too! Which instrument were you? I was on the tuba.

[@nicholasl49losgangsters]

@@AntonioBrownsNeurosurgeon haha i was the bass clarinet who played that one really loud note on accident on the first day of rehearsal 😁

[@AntonioBrownsNeurosurgeon]

@syinopsis5534 funniest part of the rehearsal, other than mrs floyd falling over mid-conducting 😂

[@bblmonster]

Me too I played trombone

[@kennysong4547]

This was truly an amazing experience to be able to work with you on this absolutely amazing piece

[@danielmorgan9742]

This is really beautiful and stunning musicianship! My school is considering playing this and I hope so!