Composer and flutist Valerie Coleman is a distinct voice in a new generation of African-American artists who combine African-American heritage and urban culture to contemporary music. She is the 2003 recipient of the Edward and Sally Van Lier Fellowship – a nomination-based award given by Meet the Composer to emerging composers of merit, and she is the founder of the critically acclaimed Imani Winds.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Valerie Coleman began her music studies at the age of eleven. By the age of fourteen, she had already written three full-length symphonies and won several local and state flute competitions. During high school she was given the opportunity to receive training in both composition and flute at Tanglewood, where she was the inaugural recipient of The Michelle E. Sahm Award. Her collegiate studies at Boston University earned her a Double Degree in Music Composition/Theory and Flute Performance. After her studies in Boston she moved to New York and founded Imani Winds. Today, Imani Winds performs Coleman’s contributions to wind quintet literature across the country, including the acclaimed Afro-Cuban Concerto for Wind Quintet and Orchestra, encore pieces, and several arrangements of spirituals and anthems of African culture.

Valerie lives in New York City with her husband Jonathan Page, and teaches at The Juilliard School Music Advancement Program. Her upcoming projects include a world-premiere at The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Double Exposure Concert Series, and a 2003-2004 composer residency in the New York Public School system under the auspices of Young Audiences New York.

Valerie Coleman — Afro-Cuban Concerto for Wind Quintet

This virtuoso tour de force is in three movements: Afro (based on the Afro-Cuban clave rhythm), Vocalise (prayer evolving into a hot Havana day) and Danza (quick rhumba with variations). Destined to become a woodwind quintet standard.

Suited for:

For Woodwind Quintet, 16 minutes.
WW5-0730 . . . $45.00

Valerie Coleman — Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika

Sung originally as a hymn, Sontonga’s 1897 melody Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika focused on text to stir the heart and give strength to millions during struggles in South African history. Adopted as the African National Congress anthem, and later as the national anthem of South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, this rendition for woodwinds by flutist/composer Valerie Coleman is upbeat and celebratory.

Suited for:

For Woodwind Quintet, 4 minutes.
WW5-0341 . . . $29.00

Valerie Coleman — Umoja – A Kwanzaa Celebration

Coleman is a distinct voice in a new generation of African-American artists who bring their cultural heritage to classical music. An original “groove-based” composition, Umoja is Swahili for “unity.” Chosen as one of Chamber Music America's “100 Great American Works”.

Suited for:

For Woodwind Quintet, 5 minutes.
WW5-0340 . . . $32.00

Valerie Coleman — Umoja – A Kwanzaa Celebration

Valerie Coleman is a distinct voice in a new generation of African-American artists who combine African-American heritage and urban culture to contemporary music. This original composition, a “groove-based” melody, calls for unity through the tradition of call and response. (Umoja is the Swahili word for “unity” and is the first day in the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa). Scored for flute, oboe and clarinet, it may also be performed by two flutes and clarinet, or flute trio (two flutes and bass flute) (substitute parts included)

Suited for:

For Woodwind Trio or Flute Trio, 5 minutes.
WW3-0340 . . . $25.00

Valerie Coleman — Umoja – A Kwanzaa Celebration

Valerie Coleman is a distinct voice in a new generation of African-American artists who combine African-American heritage and urban culture to contemporary music. This original composition, a “groove-based” melody, calls for unity through the tradition of call and response. (Umoja is the Swahili word for “unity” and is the first day in the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa).

Suited for:

For Brass Quintet, 5 minutes.
BR5-0340 . . . $32.00

Valerie Coleman — Umoja

Composer Valerie Coleman is a distinct voice in a new generation of African-American artists who combine African-American heritage and urban culture with contemporary classical music. The melody is mainly a viola solo with supporting rhythms from the violins and a constant motor played by the cello. An original “groove-based” composition calling for unity through the tradition of call and response, <i>Umoja</i> is Swahili for “unity” and is also the first day of the Kwanzaa holiday. An excellent recital encore or demo piece.

Suited for:

For String Quartet, 4 minutes.
STR4-0940 . . . $29.00

Valerie Coleman — Spirituals, Vol. 1 - Little David Play on Your Harp!, Steal Away and Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit

Valerie’s adaptations of three traditional African-American spirituals work individually or as a set for recitals, educational concerts or church services. Little David - mischievous with an old Mississippi feel; Steal Away - slow but joyous tribute to the late entertainer Gregory Hines; Ev’ry Time - a good ol’ hand-clapping tune, upbeat but offbeat.

Suited for:

For Woodwind Quintet, 10 minutes.
WW5-0520 . . . $36.00