The Dream of Mysteries

“The Dream of Mysteries” was composed using melodies written by the Rockwood South Middle School 2022-23 8th Grade Band students. The students composed 8-12 measures of melody and I was tasked with using some of the student melodies to build the composition. The students premiered the piece at their Spring Concert on May 3rd, 2023. 

In addition to the melodies, the students were also tasked with coming up with a name for the piece and movements, as well as a story to accompany the piece. The story below was written by a Band student named Bianca:

I. Contentment (melody composed by Lydia)

The journey begins with the child. This child has fallen to sleep in the relief of his bed. He is calm as he sleeps. The child drifts off into the warm arms of slumber. His mind awaits and questions the fascination to come. Curiosity floats through his mind. Sleep is the release he feels after running and playing all day. He is content with the quiet world around him.

II. Wonder (melody composed by Olivia)

Soon, his mind awakens while his body is still resting. His mind wanders off to dreamland. This is a dreamland that no other could rival. The child arrives in a beautiful woodland with a small path that winds through the tall trees. The path is mossy beneath his feet. There’s a stream that curves and twists through the forest and the water can be heard from the trail. The sun pokes through the tall trees and warms the child’s face. This forest seems alive as the animals’ calls can be heard throughout. This dream is a wonder.

III. The Chase & Victory (melody composed by Sofia)

But just as quickly as it began, the happiness began to fade. The once glorious and beautiful trees start to loom over the child. The darkness grows as clouds cover the once-shining sun. Shadows dance around the child and taunt him, encouraging his fear. As footsteps get louder and louder behind him, the child begins to run. He runs through the trees and the scenery repeats itself. The trees look the same and the river seems to replicate itself the minute he turns a corner. The footsteps grow louder still and after running and running, the child turns to face the monster that followed him through the woods. As he bravely meets his pursuer he is returned to reality. The child is greeted by the soft smell of his sheets and the warm presence of his pillow. He hugs his teddy bear close and his victory from the chase is the gift that is a deep slumber.