The Native American Omaha Tribe believed in an inseparable union between earth and sky. Commissioned for the Nebraska All-State 8th Grade Band, Michael Sweeney’s “Earth and Sky” celebrates this ideal with a balance of woodwind motifs and delicate textures (sky) contrasted with an underlying percussion ostinato and feature spots (earth). Rich chordal accompaniments and soaring melodies provide continuity and flow in this dynamic work for band. Dur: 6:15