Why American Music?
By Philip Simmons

American classical music, like all other music, borrows from native folk traditions and incorporates the experiences of all those who have come to reside and visit within its borders. Throughout the world there are clear distinctions of topography, language, ethnicity, religion, and nationalism which help clarify the differences we hear and see on the manuscript page. An awareness of the diversity of world music is a window into the history and traditions, sensibilities, and aspirations of all of humanity.

So why then American Music? The first time I realized its power was in 1988 on tour as a member of the De Paul University Wind Ensemble, performing John Philip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever at the Moscow Conservatory. The hall was packed with students, faculty, and guests who gave us a standing, unbridled, heart-felt ovation. Their response was not only in resounding approval of the work and our performance, but for what the music represented to them--the possibility of freedom. Afterwards we were met by a few brave students who discreetly slipped us their addresses, politely requesting we write to them in support of their immigration to the West.

Seven years later, after the fall of the Soviet Union I returned to Russia to study conducting with instructors from the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. This was a time of great optimism, open communication, and economic development. In 1997 I was invited to create the American Music Festival in Russia. I did not set out to promote American music or values. It was the entrepreneurial spirit of the "new Russians" who were looking to the West for support, and I humbly accepted their proposition. So much of what American Music Festivals is about is the possibility of humanitarian efforts that we, as Americans, continue to play a leadership role in throughout the world. This is the hope of what American music represents, to many.

Back in the 19th century things were reversed. American composers were looking to the music and trends of their European colleagues as a model. Despite a strong New England vocal tradition and well developed folk and military genres, it was not until the Czech composer Antonin Dvorak arrived that American "classical" music was defined. This was through the inclusion in his "From the New World" Symphony of melodies and moods of both Native and African American inspiration.

Most would agree that what makes America great is the bringing together of so many different cultures to make us one. It is the infusion of ideas and the borrowing from so many heritages that brings American music to life. Perhaps the best example of this is Charles Ives Symphony No. 2, where traditional American "tunes", materials taken from numerous European sources, and his own unique "American ingenuity," are brilliantly juxtaposed.

Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein, what brought these great artists to America? Their families were all escaping oppression. What would "our" music look like without these masters? This is the essence of American music--equality, freedom, and prosperity. Sometimes in a very big way, other times like a tender whisper on the prairie. It is in the sharing of our music and culture, along with an appreciation of the feelings and sentiments of others, that we can best understand each other and pursue these goals.