Students in the Hardee Junior High School advanced band recently experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when they premiered “Call of the Sandhill Crane,” a newly commissioned composition by acclaimed composer Larry Clark.
The project was made possible through funding from the Hardee Education Foundation and a Peace River Electric Cooperative Operation Round Up Teacher Mini-Grant. The grant allowed students to take part in the entire commissioning process, from sharing ideas that helped inspire the composition to performing its world premiere before an audience.
PRECO’s support made it possible for Larry to visit Hardee Junior High several times throughout the school year, giving students an inside look at the creative process behind composing original music. During Larry’s visits, students learned about his career, collaborated with him as the piece evolved, gained insight into how a composition comes to life and worked alongside him during rehearsals leading up to the premiere.
Rather than simply performing a new piece of music, students experienced the journey of creating one. The project provided valuable lessons in creativity, collaboration and the technical process while giving young musicians a rare
opportunity to work directly with a nationally recognized composer.
The impact of the project continues long after the final note was played. “Call of the Sandhill Crane” is now part of the Hardee Junior High band program, allowing future students to perform a composition created with the ideas and participation of those who came before them, creating a lasting musical legacy made possible through community support.