“Redeem the Dream”
“Redeem the Dream” is based on Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again”, written in 1935. The poem reflects on the gap between the ideals of American democracy as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the reality experienced by many people over our history. Yet the poem ends with hope that America can live up to its promises of freedom, equality, and opportunity for all. The poet expresses the hope and affirms that we the people must redeem the vision of America and make America what it is intended to be. Hughes’ poem is introduced by an excerpt from the Declaration of Independence.
Listen to “Redeem the Dream” below and follow along:
Recording excerpts courtesy of Together In Hope Choir.
About the Composer
Dr. Brandon A. Boyd is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri, Columbia. In addition to his conducting duties, he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting and choral music education. As holder of the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair, he plans to undertake significant projects that will not only enhance academic discourse but also impact society at large. He appears regularly as a conductor, clinician, composer in residence, collaborative pianist, and lecturer.