A Mother of A Revolution! - Omar Thomas, Eltham High School Symphonic Band

Eltham High School Symphonic Band, Conducted by Rick Keenan. Recorded at Wind Band Day Melbourne on Saturday 7 September 2024.
A Mother of A Revolution! - Omar Thomas
Program note by composer:
This piece is a celebration of the bravery of trans women, and in particular Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson. Marsha is credited with being one of the instigators of the famous Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969 -- one of the pivotal events of the LGBTQ liberation movement of the 20th century -- which is commemorated annually during the worldwide Gay Pride celebrations. Existing as a trans woman, especially a trans woman of color, and daring to live authentically, creating space for oneself in a transphobic world, is one of the bravest acts I can imagine. Over 20 trans women were murdered in the United States in 2018 alone. There is no demographic more deserving and, frankly, long overdue for highlighted heroism and bravery. The disco vibe in the latter half of the piece is meant to honor club culture, a sacred space held amongst LGBTQ persons in which to love, live, mourn, heal, strategize, connect, disconnect, and dance in defiance of those outside forces who would seek to do LGBTQ persons harm simply for daring to exist and take up space.
We pump our fists to honor the life, heroism, activism, and bravery of Marsha P. Johnson, to honor the legacy of the Stonewall revolution, to honor the memory of the trans lives violently ended due to fear and hatred, and in honor of trans women worldwide who continue to exist unapologetically and who demand to be seen.
This piece was commissioned by the Desert Winds Freedom Band, under the direction of Dean McDowell, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
Eltham High School Symphonic Band
Eltham High School is a large high school on the urban rural fringe of north eastern Melbourne. The school’s primary focus has always been to enhance student outcomes through the provision of high quality teaching and learning strategies.
The Music Program at Eltham High School is internationally renowned for its excellence and is recognised as one of the finest school Instrumental Music Programs in Australia. The Symphonic Band is the most senior of four wind ensembles at the School.
Over many years the band has built a prestigious reputation both locally and internationally. Highlights include performing at the Midwest Clinic in 1997 and 2014.
In 2014 they toured the USA. As part of this tour they had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s greatest composers and educators, as well as performing in concerts with the United States Air Force Band and the Brooklyn Wind Symphony. The Band also presented at the Midwest Clinic assisting Dr. Ingrid Martin & Jodie Blackshaw with their repertoire and education clinics.
In December 2017 they toured Japan. As part of this tour they had the opportunity to work with some great ensembles, composers and educators; including members of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Osaka University of Music, Shinonoi High School, Hirokazu Fukushima and Mr Manabu Inoue.
The Symphonic Band have been fortunate to work with many great Conductors and Composers over the years, including Frank Ticheli, Prof. Mark Camphouse, Dr. John Lynch, Dr. Steven Davis, Dr. Stephen Peterson, Dr. Nicholas Enrico Williams and Dr. Dale Lonis just to name a few.
Through their repertoire, the Symphonic Band reflects on life and sources of inspiration. For many their inspiration is family, friends, life experiences and each other. Each year Eltham High School commissions various composers to write for the ensemble, to add to the depth of Australian repertoire. The thought provoking themes of the repertoire that these gifted composers have provided the ensemble ensure that their musical journey is rich and connected to the young musician’s lives.
In the last 80 Years Eltham High School has established a tradition through its strong commitment to the areas of:
• Inspiring through excellence
• Creativity
• Individuality
• Social Justice
Eltham High School is a school with high expectations where you feel safe to be yourself and challenged to think critically, to work independently and in teams, to show leadership and to achieve success along many pathways.
Deeds Count
Our motto ‘Deeds Count’ is underpinned by six values developed in conjunction with our student body:
• Pursuit of Excellence
• Individuality
• Creativity
• Social and Environmental Responsibility
• Respect for Diversity
• Integrity