for Chorus, Woodwinds and Percussion - 20'
Chorus; 2(Pic./Alto) 2(E.H.) 2(Ebcl.) Bcl. 2 Cbsn.; 2Perc.
Commissioned by The University of Chicago, Dr. James Kallembach, Choral Director
and Canterbury Voices, Dr. Randi Von Ellefson, Artistic Director.
Premiered February 28, 2015
Oka' Ayasha' is a work inspired by my family and our original homelands among the Mississippi River. This great river was a central part of our tribal identity and is one of many very large rivers throughout the old lands of Southeast American Indians.
This rhapsodic work is meant to reflect the mystery, beauty, grandeur and strength of our ancient home in the Aboriginal South. The compositional material is based upon our ancient Gar Fish Dance song and Raccoon Dance song. Oka' Aya'sha' is dedicated to my wife, Emily and son, Heloha (Thunder).
Oka' Aya'sha'