E Pluribus, Unum was commissioned by Tennessee Tech University Flute Choir directed by Dr. Mary Matthews for the 2021 Flute Day. The piece was arranged knowing that it would have a digital premiere where each performer would be recording their individual tracks at home with a click track.

Originally, the piece was composed for band and choir which used the unofficial motto of the United States of America, “E pluribus, unum” or “Out of many, one”. The text was then translated into Spanish, French, Hebrew, and Bambara. The original English and Latin translations are also used. The composer chose Joseph Horatio Chant’s poem, “Brotherhood”, for the verses.

Text:

Is brotherhood to flesh confined?
Is there no kinship of the soul?
To have it thus, I am resigned,
If 'tis my God-appointed goal;
For there are those whom I hold dear,
Who claim with me a common sire,
That we, with one accord, revere,
And love holds out midst flood and fire.

But is the family so small
Of which I fondly claim a part?
Is there no other I may call
A brother, and within my heart
Cherish for him, whate'er his name,
Or rank, or color, or his creed,
A love of pure and changeless flame,
And feel I render but his meed?

Thank God for brotherhood so broad
That all the human race may share
A kinship, never yet outlawed,
Tho' types of it have been too rare.
But bigotry is doomed to die,
And hate, a relic of the past;
The golden age is drawing nigh,
And all one family at last!