Crossing Barriers
Item
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Score title
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Crossing Barriers
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Composer
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Jeff Scott
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Program note
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1. For the Afro-Ecuadorians of Quito
2. For the city of Kampala, Uganda
3. For Macapá, Brazil
"Crossing Barriers" is a set of three short works for Brass Trio that celebrate the ancient practice of the Circle Dance and the African influence as the practice migrated along the Equator. Being probably the oldest known dance formation, circle dancing is an ancient tradition common to many cultures for marking special occasions, rituals, strengthening community and encouraging togetherness. Circle dances are choreographed to many different styles of music and rhythms. Modern circle dance mixes traditional folk dances. The basic formation of African dance is in lines and circles; dances are performed by lines or circles of dancers. There is supernatural power in the circle, the curved, and the round. “Let the circle be unbroken” is a popular creed throughout Africa.
"Crossing Barriers" was commissioned in 2021 by the Lantana Trio with generous support from the University of North Texas.
Jeff Scott