Trail of Tears is a tone poem written for the 150th anniversary of one of the “most cruel, unjust, and embarrassing official actions in the history of the U.S. Government.” In 1838-1839, federal troops rounded up many members of the “Five Civilized Indian Tribes” who were living in the South-eastern United States: the Choctaws, Chickasaws, Cherokees, Creeks, and Seminoles. Despite a Supreme Court decision to the contrary, troops were ordered to move all of these native Americans by forced march in the dead of winter of 1,500 arduous miles to the “Indian Territory” of Eastern Oklahoma. Over 4,000 perished on the tragic journey.  

Chant: 

Dedeeshkawnk juniyohoosa,

Dedeeshkawnk ahyoheest,

Dedeeshkawnk daynahnohtee.

Translation:

Let us mourn those who have died,

Let us mourn those who are dying,

Let us mourn those who must endure.

Program note provided by the composer

James Barnes is an American composer and educator, best known for his works for wind band. He was born in 1949 and has been a long-time professor at the University of Kansas. Barnes’ compositions often blend traditional and contemporary elements, with many of his works becoming staples in the wind band repertoire. His well-known pieces include Symphony No. 3, which he wrote in response to personal tragedy, and Fantasy Variations on a Theme by Paganini. Barnes has received numerous awards for his contributions to music education and composition.

Composer note researched and written by Elisabeth Jackson