Pax Americana

For Full Band
Duration: 3:00 minutes

Pax Americana, or “American Peace,” refers to a period of relative peace in the years proceeding wartime America. The term was first coined following the close of the American Civil war and was subsequently used in reference to periods of “peace” following successful American imperialistic efforts and war triumphs. In a modern sense, Pax Americana refers to the years following World War II in which the United States emerged as a superpower providing support to help rebuild parts of Western Europe while also establishing a large, ongoing international military presence. By some accounts, Pax Americana is symbolic of American power and diplomatic control. The last decade has, however, highlighted a terse, divided country struggling to conceptualize domestic peace. This piece is an expression of longing for true peace or the pursuit of an ideal of peace.

Commissioned by Mahtomedi High School Zephyr Wind Orchestra
Laura Goucher, Director­­­­