PROGRAM NOTES
This work entitled Indian Territory - Cincinnati serves as an acknowledgment to those Indigenous peoples whose land upon which the Cincinnati Chamber Players reside. Grounded in the ancient history of this land through the vibration of sound, the performers are asked to recite the various nations that have and do live in the area today. The Hopewell and Adena refer to networks of related Indigenous societies, many of whose true tribal names have been lost. Later nations including the Chippewa, Delaware, Kickapoo, Miami, Ottawa, Peoria, Potawatomi, Seneca, Shawnee and Wyandot became part of this Ohio region. This work, including the tribal nation recitation, has been adapted from the original Indian Territory, composed for William & Mary College in VA. It serves as an important acknowledgment of tribal nations honoring their legacy and land. 
Scored for string ensemble, the work begins with a flowing ostinato by the violas representing the perseverance and sustainability of Indian peoples while the use of col legno, battuto ricochet (bouncing the bow on the wood side of the stick) is used as an Indigenous sonic indicator of native rattles.  Harmonics are incorporated as a solo moment reminding us to stop and listen to the ancestors.  Soon before writing this piece, I dreamt part of the opening melody.  Its proud strength is meant to welcome us all in acknowledging who came before us and the ancestors that remain with us. This composition is approximately 4 minutes in length.