One State One Score
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the North Carolina Symphony joins in marking the occasion by reflecting on this nation’s founding ideals. We invite all North Carolinians to join us in celebrating the ingenuity, heroism, hope, and resilience that define the American spirit as the Symphony launches One State, One Score: “America the Beautiful.”
This collaborative performance video brings people together virtually in a collective arts experience. Participants select a score that matches their instrument or art form and experience level, learn their part, record a video, and upload their submission through our website. Materials for multiple instruments and skill levels, as well as vocal lines and guidance for non-musical submissions, are available for download.
The North Carolina Symphony invites you to be a part of One State, One Score, a statewide creative project celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States with “America the Beautiful.” Building on the success of the One State, One Score “Ode to Joy” performance in 2021, we invite North Carolinians to once again connect through music and art—this time in celebration of America250.
This video project will bring people of all ages across North Carolina together (virtually!) in a collective arts experience. Participants select a score that matches their instrument and experience level, record their part, and submit a video. Submitted performances will be combined into a final statewide compilation to be shared as part of the America250 celebration.
All art forms are welcome.
We want to see and hear what inspires you—from violins, flutes, synthesizers, electric guitars, and banjos to original choreography, visual art, and poetry. If “America the Beautiful” sparks your creativity, we invite you to share it.
Our 2021 “Ode to Joy” collaboration brought together an extraordinary community of musicians and artists—view the inspiring “Ode to Joy” video here to see the spirit behind this project—and we once again welcome North Carolinians of all ages and backgrounds to join in.
Submissions will be accepted through Aprll 30, and the Symphony will compile them into a special commemorative video premiering July 4th as a part of North Carolina’s America 250 celebrations.
Here are a recording of the melody and a lyric sheet for inspiration.
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Please contact education@ncsymphony with any questions.
Get started
- Review the tools and tips below to help you look and sound your best.
- You can listen to a practice track here for an example of the tempo, pitch, and vocal melody.
- Download the music that works for you. We have scores for a variety of instruments, plus vocal scores if you would like to sing.
- Set your metronome to 76 bpm. If you need one, you can find a free online metronome here. Just be sure to use headphones!
- Record your video and submit it! If your video is larger than 25MB, please upload to a file-sharing service such as Google Drive or Dropbox and include the link in your submission form.
- Teachers: You are welcome to submit a group recording of your class. Just be sure to set your metronome to 76 bpm and upload the final video using a file-sharing service.
Tools and Tips for Submissions
Video and Audio Tips
- If filming from your phone, please turn your phone so that it is horizontal, for a wide screen video.
- If applicable, tune your instrument to A=440.
- It’s very important that everyone use a metronome in order to sync everything together for the finished product. However, we shouldn’t hear the metronome in your video. Plug some headphones in so only you can hear the metronome in your ears.
- Be sure you are set up with good lighting. Film in a room with lots of windows and natural light.
Art and Poetry Tips
- Choose materials and media that best express your vision.
- Use colors, textures, and words inspired by the music.
- Take high-quality photos or scans of artwork for submission.
General Tips
- Practice before recording to feel confident and comfortable.
- Collaborate with friends, classmates, or family for ensemble pieces.
- Have fun and be creative!
Please contact education@ncsymphony with any questions.
One State, One Score is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Thank You to Our Supporters
We are grateful to the State of North Carolina; our Lead Education Sustainers—Truist, The Bastian Family Charitable Foundation, PNC, and The John William Pope Foundation—and many other generous statewide education supporters for making our education programs possible!
One State, One Score is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
One State, One Score is in partnership with the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.