Montgomery Variations: I. The Decision

(Movement I lasts from 0:00-2:04)

"Much of Bonds’ work was inspired by traditional spirituals, but Montgomery Variations was inspired by a historical event. This orchestral piece was written in 1965 in response to the Selma to Montgomery March led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to The Washington Post, Montgomery Variations and other pieces by Bonds were found in 2017 “next to a dumpster, waiting to be thrown out.” Many of the pieces discovered were thought to be unfinished, lost, or non-existent." - Nashville Symphony’s teaching resource for Mvmts 1, 3, and 4

Duple Meter: In another performance of Movement I (starts at 6:04), watch the conductor's beat pattern as he conducts in 2/4 time. Try to impersonate his conducting style: be dramatic, and be clear! Then as a challenge, conduct along with our featured video, with no conductor to follow on screen. Good luck!

Suggested Activity - Meter: Have your students conduct this multi-movement work! This database features every movement from Bonds' Montgomery Variations, containing various Duple, Triple, and Quadruple Meter sections. Have the students choose their favorite movements, and lead the orchestra by conducting with the recording as a group!

Theme and Variation / Melody: This movement is perhaps most starkly placed with the fifth movement: “One Sunday in the South”

Table of Contents - Montgomery Variations:
I. The Decision
II. Prayer Meeting
III. March
IV. Dawn in Dixie
V. One Sunday in the South
VI. Lament
VII. Benediction