Listen, Child, to These Words (Band Version)

Includes: Conductor's Score & Full Part Set

Ensemble type: Concert Band
Difficulty: Medium-Easy (Grade III)
Available formats: TBA

THIS PIECE WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.
Check back later, or inquire within for more details!

COMING SOON

“Listen, Child, to These Words” is a poem I wrote and adapted for SATB choir after my dear friends lost their mother to cancer. Witnessing their grief was heartbreaking, and I felt compelled to create something in her memory as a source of comfort. We have all lost someone dear to us at some point in our life, even if the circumstance isn’t death. May “Listen, Child, to These Words” provide comfort to all who are grieving. I hope that it can offer solace to those seeking it and allow for a time to reflect on fond memories with those who come to mind.

The SATB version debuted at the tenth annual Pensacola ComposerFest in 2014. To prepare, I formed a choir comprised of students from Pensacola State College and the University of West Florida. Conducting the choir for its live performance was a deeply humbling and unforgettable experience, marking my first time leading a choir in such a setting. I am immensely grateful to my college music theory professor and fellow composer, Dr. Michael Coleman, for allowing me the opportunity.

In 2015, I drafted a band arrangement, which was performed by the Pensacola State College Wind Ensemble. In 2024, I revisited the band version to make it more suitable for younger and developing ensembles.

"Listen, child, to these words. There's a day when I no more shall shelter you.
Oh, be strong, heed my song, and take all that I have to offer you.
Oh, dear child, do not cry. You know that I am always by your side.
Oh, be strong, heed my song, and take all that I have to offer you."
— Braden Dees, 2014

Score Preview

Artwork by Sydney Starnes

NOTE: Video scores may contain intentional errors to discourage duplication.
Purchased copies will contain correct and official scores.