Goodnight Moon (arr. Michael Markowski)

Arranged for Grade 3-4 Concert Band. “Over the past few years I must have read “Goodnight Moon” to my son a thousand times – maybe more. Somewhere around reading number 500, I began hearing little musical fragments as I read, and over time those fragments began to blossom into a simple, sweet lullaby. I knew it was a long shot, but I asked my manager, Claire Long, to contact HarperCollins and see if they would allow the text to be set to music. To my surprise and delight they agreed – the first time they had ever allowed “Goodnight Moon” to be used in such a way. I composed the piece relatively quickly, originally setting the text for harp, string orchestra, and my son’s mother, soprano Hila Plitmann. I later arranged “Goodnight Moon” for SATB choir and piano. More recently, my dear friend Verena Mosenbichler-Bryant arranged the piece for wind ensemble and soloist. The melody of “Goodnight Moon” will forever make me think of those quiet nights, reading my son to sleep.” -Eric Whitacre