Bosque School presents Amber Sun

Amber Sun was commissioned and performed by Bosque School in Albuquerque NM, 2009-2010.
It is written by internationally renown choral music composer Donald Patriquin,
on a poem by Bosque school teacher Michael VeSeart.
THe Cantate Choir is directed by Joanna Hart
Amy Wooley, piano
Kayla Mathes, cello
Slide presentation by Lara Patriquin
Photography:
Pam Scheafer
Ed Taylor
Kevin Eddy
Jesse Philips
Roma Arelleno
Scott Nichols
Marina Sage
Marisa Gay
Karl Eschenbach
Bob Walker
Roch Hart
Shannon Scott
Gleb Tarassenko

Program notes by Donald Patriquin:

I found Michael VeSeart's poem a perfect reflection of my impression of Bosque School that wonderful, amber day in the fall of 2009 when my daughter and my grandson and I
cycled through the bosque to meet with staff and students who would later be so helpful in finding a text and performing Amber Sun.

Patrick Dougherty was in the initial stages of creating a huge installation fashioned from thousands of local saplings that students had cut and brought to the back of the school; the choir and the band were rehearsing and provided immediate inspiration; staff and students were enjoyably occupied with their school work, but never too busy to say hello and make me feel 'at home'.

The sense of wonder, creativity and dedication was palpable throughout the place. I was struck by the feeling of team spirit in every room we visited, and with everyone I met personallystudents, staff and all who help keep a school moving along twenty-four hours a day.

It has been a pleasure to spend a couple of months this cold, windy Quebec winter, recalling the warmth of Bosque School as I worked on Amber Sun. It brought back wonderful memories of my own school, albeit in a very different time and place.

It is my pleasure and delight to dedicate this piece to all who comprise Bosque School.