A Gaelic Blessing

In Celebration of the 10th Annual “Sounds of the Season” and commissioned by Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts, Mr. Evan Cooper & Mr. Derek Ellinger, Director of Bands; Mr. Brad Gardner, Mr. Andrew Knaup & Mr. Jared Yoder, Director of Choirs; Dr. Joel Shonkwiler, Director of Orchestras; Indianapolis, Indiana

I was so delighted to receive an email from Andrew Knaup—the choir director at Franklin Central High School—asking for a new piece of music to serve as the finale for their annual “Sounds of the Season” concert in December. In talking with him, I learned that they wanted this piece to be broadly inclusive, to allow many diverse students to take part—including the band, orchestra, and elementary school singers, as well as the high school choir.

I decided to fashion a piece out of a Gaelic Blessing text that I have loved for many years. This short and uplifting blessing paints a certain hope that is universal: we want everyone to have the chance to be with loved ones, to be safe, to be secure, and to have the chance to make beautiful memories together.

I am happy to dedicate this work to Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts, especially the faculty and students who will bring this work to life for the first time.

Traditional

May you have walls for the wind,
May you have a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.

• December 7, 2018 (premiere)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana
• December 8, 2018 (two performances)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana
• December 9, 2018 (premiere)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana

In Celebration of the 10th Annual “Sounds of the Season” and commissioned by Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts, Mr. Evan Cooper & Mr. Derek Ellinger, Director of Bands; Mr. Brad Gardner, Mr. Andrew Knaup & Mr. Jared Yoder, Director of Choirs; Dr. Joel Shonkwiler, Director of Orchestras; Indianapolis, Indiana

I was so delighted to receive an email from Andrew Knaup—the choir director at Franklin Central High School—asking for a new piece of music to serve as the finale for their annual “Sounds of the Season” concert in December. In talking with him, I learned that they wanted this piece to be broadly inclusive, to allow many diverse students to take part—including the band, orchestra, and elementary school singers, as well as the high school choir.

I decided to fashion a piece out of a Gaelic Blessing text that I have loved for many years. This short and uplifting blessing paints a certain hope that is universal: we want everyone to have the chance to be with loved ones, to be safe, to be secure, and to have the chance to make beautiful memories together.

I am happy to dedicate this work to Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts, especially the faculty and students who will bring this work to life for the first time.

Traditional

May you have walls for the wind,
May you have a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.

• December 7, 2018 (premiere)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana
• December 8, 2018 (two performances)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana
• December 9, 2018 (premiere)
  10th Annual Sounds of the Season
  Franklin Central High School Department of the Performing Arts
  Franklin Central High School - Indianapolis, Indiana