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Publisher Info:
Michael Daugherty Music
Dona Nobis Pacem
for wind ensemble (2025)
Grade: III-IV
Instrumentation:
Number of players doubling each part at the discretion of the conductor, but in keeping with a balanced sound
Piccolo
2 Flutes (at least 4 players preferred)
2 Oboes
English Horn
4 Bb Clarinets (at least 8 players preferred)
Bb Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon and/or Eb Contralto or Bb Contrabass Clarinet (optional but preferred)
2 Eb Alto Saxophones
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone
3 C or Bb Trumpets (straight metal mute and harmon mute, stem out)
2 F Horns at least (4 players preferred)
3 Trombones
Euphonium (at least 2 players preferred)
Tuba (at least 2 players preferred)
Timpani
Percussion (3 players; instruments are not shared)
Percussion 1: Glockenspiel, Large Crash Cymbals
Percussion 2: Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal, Concert Bass Drum
Percussion 3: Chimes, Mark Tree
Contrabass (optional but preferred)
Publisher: Michael Daugherty Music
Duration: 6 minutes
Program Note:
Dona Nobis Pacem (“Grant Us Peace”) for Wind Ensemble (2025) is inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s visionary creation of the Peace Corps in 1961. The work was commissioned by and is dedicated to Glen Adsit (1964-2024), who founded the ASPIRE consortium and was Director of Bands at the Hartt School of Music for 24 years.
Promoting peace was on the mind of presidential candidate John F. Kennedy when he arrived on the University of Michigan campus in the early morning hours of October 14, 1960. Speaking to a crowd of 10,000 students from the steps of the Michigan Union, he asked if they “would be willing to volunteer in underdeveloped countries around the world”. This impromptu speech is widely regarded as the catalyst for what would become the Peace Corps. After taking office in 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order officially creating the organization. Still active today, the Peace Corps “promotes peace and friendship through community-based development and intercultural understanding,” sending thousands of volunteers each year on two-year assignments to share their skills and live alongside community members in developing nations worldwide.
Dona Nobis Pacem is a short prayer for peace from the Agnus Dei section of the Latin Mass. My composition for wind ensemble is a hopeful expression for peace and harmony in the world, integrating the 17th-century folksong traditionally associated with “Dona Nobis Pacem” with original music I have composed.
–Michael Daugherty
