SOLOS
for any inquiries in regards to purchases, perusal scores, or other commissions, please see [contact me here]
PLACES WE GO — [IN PROGRESS]
for solo alto saxophone, 9’
written for PART as part of the 2025 Collaborative Composition Initiative
CROSS-HATCHING— [IN PROGRESS]
for tenor saxophone and piano, 7’
commissioned by a consortium of saxophonists led by Noah Stoker
SHOUTING SOMETHING VULGAR (2024)
for solo alto saxophone, 7’
written for Noah Stoker for his 2024/25 guest recitals and completed in September 2024
It has been several years since I've first discovered the powerful work of lateAfrican-American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. The most striking part of his artwork, even beyond its reputation of vivid and jarring material and execution, is that it feels what I can only describe as "truthful". The depicted figures are grotesque, his linework is almost sloppy as if a child drew them, and they are, in themselves, cryptic and curious. Yet, it almost feels as if we have the opportunity to view the world from Basquiat's eyes -- his personal truth which he refuses to shy away from. He encourages us to enter his own world, not afraid of what others will think of his odd stylistic decisions and embracing his vision. It inspired the conception of this work, "shouting something vulgar", and its underlying content, energy, and style and I express my gratitude to Basquiat's artwork for nding me the confidence to speak about how I feel about the current state of the world, my life, and the people around me.
Honors:
Finalist, 2025 ASCAP Morton Gould Award
Performances:
April 12, 2024, Noah Stoker, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
March 17, 2024, Noah Stoker, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
October 31, 2024, Noah Stoker, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
INTROVERT LANGUAGE (2024)
for viola and piano, 8’
written for the 2024 Suncoast Composer Fellowship Program and completed in August 2024.
For as long as I can remember, I've been a homebody and an introvert. I enjoy quiet spaces, delicate and far away sounds, and peace. On the other hand, the rest of my friends and family are very outgoing and talkative people which created a strong conflict in many social situations. Many people struggled with my unwillingness to talk or be around them and enjoy invading onto my piece to either get that attention or discover why I choose to abstain from them. "introvert language" discusses this desire for peace, quiet, and protection. While the viola strives to enjoy sustain and soloistic moments, they are often intruded on by the piano, leading to many confrontations between the two.
Performances:
August 23, 2024, Jeremy Keinbaum, Baron Fenwick, St. Boniface Episcopal Church, Sarasota, FL
THE DARK PARADISE (2021)
sonata for solo clarinet, 9’
completed in November 2021
This piece was constructed based on the drawing above created by my classmate. In the foreground, there is a river surrounded by grass and trees with birds singing on top. The background is much more ambiguous. The yellow circle is taken as a moon while the dark sky emcompasses it. The scene clearly takes place at night. Although this analysis is simple, there is more to be taken from the picture. The color of the sky changes this picture entirely. Nighttime can be easily depicted use a dark blue, but this sky is a very dark purple, close to pitch black. The word I chose to describe the sky is "apocalyptic". In the second movement, my attention turns to the birds. Their large beaks reminds me of ravens which would be very fitting for this setting. Ravens often symbolize disaster. The ravens' wide beaks make it look like they are singing. In the final movement., The shrieks of the people become much more frightened as they fear the end is coming. Everyone waits in anticipation to see what will become of them. In the end, disaster finally strikes.
Honors:
Selected Work, Big Black Blotch Call for Scores
Performances:
June 2024, Berginald Rash, Dublin International Chamber Music Festival, Dublin, Ireland
October 22, 2022, Sarah Manasreh, International Clarinet Association New Music Weekend, Virtual
May 13, 2022, Sarah Manasreh, Stevens Point, WI
April 15, 2022, Freda Hogan, Kemp Recital Hall, Normal, IL