Based on the traditional American shaped-note melody The Promised Land (first published in the 1800's), Beyond the Stars captures the spirit of the early American church musicians who voiced their enthusiasm for life and the freedom of worship through both vocal and instrumental music. The music features several mini-variations wrapped up in four large variations (Fast, Fast, Slow, Fast-recapitulation). The composer has created new thematic material for each variation by excerpting motifs from three separate phrases of the original shaped-note melody. A stunning and powerful work for winds. Dur: c. 6:20