"We Declare Independence!"
Composed by Scott Freeby
Presented as part of the America 250 celebration by the
Kansas Music Educators Association
In the Spring of 2025, the Kansas Music Educators Association asked me to create a musical
composition that could be used to participate in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of
the United States Declaration of Independence. The music needed to be available to elementary,
middle, high school, and college level student performances in their Spring 2026 concerts to
commemorate the upcoming July 4th, 2026, anniversary date. The project was to be in conjunction
with the State of Kansas' desire to have schools take part in a state-wide effort entitled "KANSAS 250."
The KANSAS 250 project centers on gathering stories to honor the contributions of Kansas and the individuals who have shaped our history. Kansans are asked to "share their stories to celebrate the growth, humility, and strength that makes Kansas a great state; where we can inspire future generations to continue building a better, more inclusive society."
A key element in telling our stories as Kansans centers on part of our state motto, namely, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," or "To the Stars, Through Difficulties." With recognition of the ambitious and forward thinking of the "Ad Astra" portion of our motto, the KANSAS 250 project wants us to "reflect upon the second part of the phrase - "Per Aspera" or "Through Difficulties."
With this parameter in mind, I was inspired to create a musical composition that would be multidisciplinary in its approach. The project would combine the musical disciplines of Band, Orchestra, and Choir along with the theatrical elements of Drama (dramatic readings) and the technological elements of a PowerPoint presentation.
"WE DECLARE INDEPENDENCE!" is a project in keeping with the idea of Kansans telling their stories about how they've "made it through difficulties to thrive where they are today," Here, students will learn of the development of our nation's history by studying the tenets found in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and Constitution.
The project is designed to coincide with lessons they'll be studying (or have studied) in classes other than their music class regarding the historical development of the Declaration. Although this project can be isolated to the music classes who will perform it, Music instructors are encouraged to unite with Drama, History, Visual Arts, and Language Arts classes to present a multidisciplinary teaming project to include students not currently in the music programs (See the section titled "Multidisciplinary Connections" to read more about how to involve classes other than music in the project).
As music instructors, we know that it is "through the difficulties" of music production, i.e., collaborative rehearsals, private practicing, and public performances that we help our students to enjoy the life-long learning experiences of music. Inclusion, diversity, individual and collective development are all hallmarks of a successful music program. Let's unite to perform "WE DECLARE INDEPENDENCE!" in every school in Kansas and add our individual threads to the beautiful tapestry that is Kansas as we continue into the future, "Per Aspera."
The KANSAS 250 project centers on gathering stories to honor the contributions of Kansas and the individuals who have shaped our history. Kansans are asked to "share their stories to celebrate the growth, humility, and strength that makes Kansas a great state; where we can inspire future generations to continue building a better, more inclusive society."
A key element in telling our stories as Kansans centers on part of our state motto, namely, "Ad Astra Per Aspera," or "To the Stars, Through Difficulties." With recognition of the ambitious and forward thinking of the "Ad Astra" portion of our motto, the KANSAS 250 project wants us to "reflect upon the second part of the phrase - "Per Aspera" or "Through Difficulties."
With this parameter in mind, I was inspired to create a musical composition that would be multidisciplinary in its approach. The project would combine the musical disciplines of Band, Orchestra, and Choir along with the theatrical elements of Drama (dramatic readings) and the technological elements of a PowerPoint presentation.
"WE DECLARE INDEPENDENCE!" is a project in keeping with the idea of Kansans telling their stories about how they've "made it through difficulties to thrive where they are today," Here, students will learn of the development of our nation's history by studying the tenets found in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and Constitution.
The project is designed to coincide with lessons they'll be studying (or have studied) in classes other than their music class regarding the historical development of the Declaration. Although this project can be isolated to the music classes who will perform it, Music instructors are encouraged to unite with Drama, History, Visual Arts, and Language Arts classes to present a multidisciplinary teaming project to include students not currently in the music programs (See the section titled "Multidisciplinary Connections" to read more about how to involve classes other than music in the project).
As music instructors, we know that it is "through the difficulties" of music production, i.e., collaborative rehearsals, private practicing, and public performances that we help our students to enjoy the life-long learning experiences of music. Inclusion, diversity, individual and collective development are all hallmarks of a successful music program. Let's unite to perform "WE DECLARE INDEPENDENCE!" in every school in Kansas and add our individual threads to the beautiful tapestry that is Kansas as we continue into the future, "Per Aspera."
Meet the Composer
Scott Freeby
Mr. Freeby has served as a guest clinician/conductor for Public School Music Festivals, the Kanas State University Concert Band Clinic, and as a judge for area music festivals and 4-H music competitions. He is currently serving as a Music Student Teacher observer for Kansas State University. Scott performs professionally with the Thundering Cats Big Band, the Manhattan Barefoot Dixieland Band, the Manhattan Municipal Band, and as a free-lance trumpet artist for weddings.
Mr. Freeby enjoys composing for wind band, pep-band, brass ensembles and orchestras. His 2004 International Trumpet Guild premier of Enlightenment with the Kansas State University Trumpet Ensemble went on to be included in the repertoire of the Irish Guard Band of the Queen of England. He composed the soundtrack for the feature-length movie entitled, The Xenophobes directed by Hal Dace. Scott is married to his eternal sweetheart Diane, and they have three beautiful children and seven beautiful grandchildren.