Description
Arranged for Clarinet Choir by Sheila Cullen
Duration approximately 5 minutes
At Night for Clarinet Choir (4 Clarinets in B-flat and 2 Bass Clarinets) was originally written for SATB choir a cappella. The poem At Night by Amy Lowell used for inspiration in both speaks of the wind singing through the trees and the excitement of the wild wind. The clarinets imitate this idea of the wind at the beginning and end of the piece through freely played sections. Much of the piece contains this feeling of joyful freedom, from a dance-like section to the feeling “wild, tumultuous joy” that grows and builds with excitement. Towards the end of the piece when the clarinets come together to explore the feeling of the text “And my mind, O Star! is filled with your white light,” we feel the true wonder of a hot July night and the freedom to enjoy the onward sweeping wind.
The Clarinet Choir version was arranged by Sheila Cullen and premiered by members of the United States Naval Academy Band in 2021. The choral version was selected as the recipient of the 2008 Sorel Medallion and was premiered in Zankel Hall in Carnegie Hall by Voices of Ascension under the direction of Dennis Keene on October 29th.
About the Arranger
Sheila Cullen, a native of Marietta, GA, received a Bachelor of Music degree in Clarinet Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2002 and a Master of Music degree in Music Theory in 2004. Her mentors include James Campbell, Howard Klug, Robert DiLutis, D. Ray McClellan, and Kirsten Ahnell.
A clarinetist in the United States Naval Academy Band since 2006, she performs with the Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, Clarinet Quartet, and Wind Trio. A strong advocate for music education in the community, she has coordinated clinics, masterclasses, and coaching sessions in wind band music, chamber music, and clarinet, as well as worked closely with the Maryland Apex Arts Magnet Program. She is a founding member of the Chesapeake Reed Trio, and has performed with the Londontowne Symphony, Owensboro Symphony, Gainesville Symphony, The United States Air Force Band, The United States Navy Fleet Forces Band, and is an active recording artist and adjudicator in the D.C. area. Her teaching experience includes: Adjunct Instructor, Clemson University; Faculty, Hartwick College Summer Music Festival and Institute; Instructor, Atlanta Music Academy; as well as private instruction in Georgia’s 12th School District of Cobb County including Lassiter High School, Kennesaw Mountain High School, and Pope High School.
Sheila resides in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband Clint Woltering (a trombonist also in the Naval Academy Band) and their insufferable yet adorable Basset Hound Leroy.
