We, the Children of America

This work nails the finale moment. Feldstein understood that a gala closer needs both structural weight and emotional clarity, and he delivers both at a grade level where younger ensembles can actually execute them. The flexibility to perform with band alone, chorus alone, or any combination of band, chorus, and strings makes it work whether you're programming a spring concert or a special civic occasion.

Patriotic without bombast, celebratory without sentimentality. The piece carries the gravity of occasion while remaining accessible enough that younger musicians feel the significance rather than struggle through complexity.

This is ideal for concert bands and choruses at the grade 2 level looking for repertoire with civic purpose. It works equally well as a standalone concert closer or as part of a combined festival or gala performance involving multiple ensembles.

• Balance the chorus prominently in final sections; this is a celebratory piece where the text carries weight alongside the instrumental lines.
• Use the optional string orchestra and concert band parts to create sonic layers if your combined ensemble is substantial enough; the piece rewards fuller orchestration.
• Mark clear cutoffs between sections to maintain the processional dignity the patriotic context demands.

Program this as your spring concert finale when you want to send the audience out with affirmation and pride. It's also a natural choice for Constitution Day, patriotic festivals, or combined ensemble concerts where you want to feature multiple groups in a single unified statement.

• Balancing choralelike harmonic progressions in band writing
• Integrating vocal lines with instrumental texture
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion in patriotic style and pacing
• Coordinating multiple ensembles (band, chorus, optional strings) in a single performance