Like Something Newly Freed (SATB Chorus a cappella) | Dale Trumbore

Preview the score or purchase this piece for performance at bit.ly/newlyfreed.
As Laura Foley's poem “Like Something Newly Freed” progresses, we shift from observing blackbirds at sunset to narrating from their perspective as we imagine ourselves among them. This setting of Foley's text attempts to capture that desire for freedom and flight in our own lives.
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This recording features the 2017 California All-State Mixed Honor Choir (Dr. Amanda Quist, conductor). Like Something Newly Freed was commissioned by California ACDA.
TEXT
When you watch blackbirds flocking
in silhouette
against bare trees, against
a salmon sky, you wonder
at the sight, at the lift
you feel inside, the wings
and all that space.
As night begins,
you raise black wings
like leaves, like the lightness of a song.
As night hurries in,
you streak across the darkening sky
like something newly freed
and gaining, gaining on the sun.
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-Laura Foley

[@fidgetmami8271]

It was such an honor to sing this song. It took all of us to such a beautiful place and dale was so nice!! Thank you for the opportunity

[@DaleTrumbore]

Anonda, thank you for this kind note! It was a total joy working with the choir.