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Crispus Attucks High School opened in 1927 as Indianapolis’ first public high school designated for African American students. The school was created in response to segregationist pressures. While Attucks is probably best known for its basketball legacy, the school also developed a highly regarded music program, including both classical and jazz music training. Johnson’s “vignette” reflects on his own experience as a Black classical violinist and the kinship he feels with the student musicians of Attucks throughout its history, recognizing a shared path of pursuing classical music where it might not be conventionally expected. The piece acknowledges Attucks as a beacon of talent and pride that defied its origins as a segregated institution. The composition site is rooted in the corner of Fall Creek Parkway East and West 12th Street, where the Attucks football field contrasts with the serene banks of a creek, creating a dialogue between strength and nature, history and serenity. “vignette” includes supporting sample performances by the students of Crispus Attucks High School Band and Orchestra.

Credits:

Music composed, mixed, and produced by Leon Todd Johnson
Mastering by Sean McCann
Classical guitar and upright bass performed by Leon Todd Johnson
Supporting sample performances by the students of Crispus Attucks High School Band and Orchestra, organized by John Hague, Director of Bands & Orchestras

Band:

Flute – Natalie Castro, Tak’ya Henson, Seniyah Ingram
Clarinet – Landon Asa, Essence Dorsey, Bryan Gomez Leiva, Diego Mabe, Angeleina Nance, Anahi Ortiz-Magno, Allisson Pimentel, Armon Williams
Alto Sax – Corey Bass, Herson Cruz-Lopez, Naika Berley Jean Louis, Jenifer Pena
Trumpet – Braydyn Hill, Osmar Miranda, Lesley Tonychibuogwu, Glenn Vincent
Trombone – Anderson Rodriguez, Evelin Valdez-Perez
Electric Bass – Miguel Cabrera-Ruano

Orchestra:

Violin – Gianna Abner, Leonel Eastridge, Shanyla Gilbert, Cecilia Gonzalez Leiva, Shawnice Kelley, Emily Mendez-Duarte, Pedro Perez-Zapata, Queen’ya Thomas, Akira Turner
Viola – Alexis Cruz, Neli Irene, Carla Montano, Kristofer Zapata-Aguilar
Violoncello – Izabella Cochran, Jaqueline Letona, Mckenzie Oliver

Duration: 14:04
Year: 2025
Commissioned by: 16 Tech