Bakhari S. Nokuri

COnsortium portal - “I, Too, Sing America” by Bakhari S. Nokuri

Source Material: “I, Too” by Langston Hughes

I, Too, Sing America adapts the poem “I, Too” by Langston Hughes, but in a way that depicts what it means to be Black in the 21st century. It encapsulates a deep sense of pride, tradition, and identity rooted in an awareness of history shaped by years of oppression, slavery, and the fight for civil rights. In my eyes, Black identity has been marked by resilience, valor, and faith in others. While the days of overtly fighting for civil rights may be over, the struggle itself is not. Across America, oppression based on the color of our skin still exists, with systemic and social challenges continue to place us at a disadvantage. Yet, despite this, we persist in showing the world what excellence looks like—through our vigor, our culture, and our art. This composition reflects what it means to carry the weight of the past, to fear for the future of our people, and still exude strength, faith, and excellence through it all. This piece expresses what it means to be Black.

- Bakhari S. Nokuri (2026)

We would like to invite you to participate in a consortium to commission Bakhari Nokuri to arrange his I, Too, Sing America for wind band. The participation is set at $250 per institution, and will entitle you to score/parts in PDF format, exclusive performance of the work (starting October 22nd, 2026), and recognition of directors/institutions participating in the consortium in the published work.

DURATION: 7 mins

INSTRUMENTATION: Wind Band:

Picc., 2 Fl., 2 Ob., Eng Hn., 2 Bsns., Cbsn,

Eb Clar., 2 Bb Clar., Eb Alto Clar., B. Clar, Cb. Clar., Sop. Sax, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax,

3 Tpts, 4 F Hns, 3 Trbs, Euph, Tuba,

Str. Bass, Harp, Piano, Timp., 6 Perc.

Substitution/World parts available based on request! (ex. Harp > Marimba, Eb Clar. > Eb Alto Sax)

TIMELINE:

Aug 10th - Commission Commitment and Payment due

Sep 1st - Score & Parts Delivered to Consortium Members

Oct 8th - World Premiere at BCCM Auditorium

Oct 22nd - EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE WINDOW OPENS