With Heart & Voice was commissioned by Apple Valley High School Bands, Scott A. Jones, director (Apple Valley, Minnesota), to commemorate the 25th year of existence of this high school. Apple Valley High School's strong commitment to the arts was a major factor in my decision to take on this commission. After visiting the school in December of 2000 and meeting many of the students, faculty, and administrators, I became greatly inspired.

Thematically, the work is based on the Apple Valley High...