Indian Territory – Massachusett was commissioned by First Parish Unitarian Universalist Music
Committee and Dr. Daniel Parsley, Director of Music to be premiered on May 18, 2025 by the
First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Arlington Intergen Orchestra in Massachusetts.
This work entitled Indian Territory – Massachusett serves as an acknowledgment to those
Indigenous peoples whose land upon which the ensemble members perform, that of Arlington
and Boston. Grounded in the ancient history of this land through the vibration of sound, the
performers are asked to recite the name of the Massachusett nation who have and continue to
live in the area today. The Massachusett Tribe, whose name means “at the great hill,” are
located in and around present-day Boston, including the Blue Hills and Arlington. The
Massachusett people have valued their connection to the land and its resources, respecting the
natural world through the practice of sustainable living, and the maintenance of traditional
practices, including medicine ways and seasonal ceremonies. Despite severe losses, the
Massachusett people have persevered and continue to maintain their cultural identity and
traditions. This work has been re-orchestrated and rewritten from an earlier work entitled
Indian Territory - Cincinnati that Dr. Parsley conducted. It was composed for the SummerMusik
series in Ohio. The works serve as an important musical acknowledgment to honor the
Massachusett ancestors, legacy, and land.
 
Bb Clarinet
Eb Saxophone
Bb Trumpet
Trombone
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Double Bass
Hand drum