G- 8 61 3 | L aVoy | A s I Walk the Sil e n t E ar th
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James Jordan Executive Editor
GIA Publications, Inc., 74o4 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 1.800.gia.1358 [ www.giamusic.com
From the Composer “As I Walk the Silent Earth” is dedicated to James Jordan and the members of Westminster Williamson Voices. From 2011 to 2013, I had the great honor and privilege to hold a seat in this choir amongst some of the finest musicians I have ever worked with. Throughout that time I developed a strong sense of friendship and comradery with each member of the ensemble, as well as a profound respect for the individual talents they possessed and for the legacy of the choir as a whole. This legacy has flourished under the guidance of James Jordan, whose leadership and devotion—not only to the world of choral music but to the well-being of each and every student who comes under his wing—have been an incredible source of inspiration for many. This piece is my attempt to represent musically the familial bonds that we as choristers form with one another when we sing together. These ties are strengthened by our mutual love of song and help to keep our minds and spirits safe in times of darkness. Since leaving Westminster Choir College (where I maintain there exists one of the highest concentrations of these musical and spiritual bonds in the world), I have found that it is simply the memories of singing with my peers that have guided me, undamaged, through difficult times. These memories remind me constantly of the tremendous and elusive knowledge that can be gained through singing with others: lessons of humility, of humanity, and of finding one’s place in a community. —Thomas LaVoy
3 Dedicated to Dr. James Jordan and the Members of Westminster Williamson Voices
AS I WALK THE SILENT EARTH Thomas LaVoy Freely, without weight q = 72
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Copyright © 2013 by GIA Publications, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • Printed in U.S.A. 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638 • www.giamusic.com • 800.442.1358 Reproduction of this publication without permission of the publisher is a violation of the U.S. Code of Law for which the responsible individual or institution is subject to criminal prosecution. No one is exempt.
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