Something Will Grow

Something Will Grow is a piece inspired by a series of poems entitled, "How Can Black People Write About Flowers At A Time Like This," by Hanif Abdurraqib. In these poems, Abdurraqib explores all aspects of the black narrative in order to create a complex image of blackness that juxtaposes black excellence with the horrific conditions out of which ti is often born.

 Throughout the piece, as the main theme returns, it is presented alongside various different accompaniments. This is meant to represent how blackness must exist differently ni different spaces. In this piece, I hope to express the joyousness of blackness while also acknowledging the anguish alongside which it must often exist.

Totem

Totem is inspired by Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster film Inception. Blurring the lines between reality and dreams, Nolan’s film explores the degree to which our thoughts influence our perception of the world. Like a half-remembered idea in a dream, the main theme is introduced slowly and in fragments. As it is developed, the theme becomes more urgent. Throughout the contrasting sections, the theme persists, morphing to create new textures. By the end of the piece, the original theme dominates the foreground in the same way that Nolan believes a single thought can consume and redefine one’s entire reality. Totem offers a slightly more jubilant conclusion than Nolan’s famously  ambiguous, yet profound, closing scene. 

Destination Unknown

Destination Unknown is a composition that seeks to capture the vastness and mystery of space, exploring both its awe-inspiring beauty and the overwhelming feeling of the unknown. In space, we are confronted with the infinite—an expanse where every star, every distant galaxy, exists beyond our full understanding. This piece embraces that ambiguity, using sound to reflect both the beauty of the cosmos and the eerie silence of the unknown.The percussion instruments in this ensemble represent the many forces that shape the universe—celestial bodies, cosmic winds, the delicate movements of time, and the profound stillness between stars. The ensemble navigates through shifting textures and unpredictable rhythms, mirroring the uncertainty and mystery inherent in space.

Tides

Written for jazz sextet, Tides was inspired by the hip-hop beats I used to make for my friends to rap to. The piece, written for my friend Will Appleby, explores the interactions between jazz and hip-hop. Much like our friendship there is a symbiotic relationship between these genres that creates a unique set of circumstances. A rhythmically vibrant but laid back groove, paired with the traditional jazz harmonies creates an open feeling that allows soloists to develop their ideas while being supported by the rest of the ensemble. Will and I grew up making music together, through this piece I hope to express the influence that rap and hip-hop have had on me as a composer and a performer. 

Blues to the Sun and Back

Written for jazz nonet, Blues to the Sun and Back is a modern take on the blues form that explores contrast, space, and color. While grounded in the blues tradition, the piece expands beyond the expected harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary, integrating modal shifts, layered textures, and extended forms. 

Boundless Grace

Boundless Grace was written for my mom, who is the most selfless and graceful person I know. I have always been inspired by her unwavering generosity and care for the people she loves. While beautiful, her quiet nobility at times comes at the cost of her own well-being. This piece is an examination of both the beauty and sacrifice of her nobility. In three movements, the piece first begins with a triumphant character representing nobility and grace. In the second movement, the once noble character slowly begins to degrade and is eventually overtaken by a more menacing sonority. After the second movement's horrifying climax, the seemingly unresolvable conflict between the low and high brass subsides at last. The jubilant yet absurd tone of the third movement is an abrupt detour from the previous dark and heavy character. The tumbling uneven groove represents a more nuanced illustration of grace and nobility, joyful yet unpredictable. 

Ultimately, Boundless Grace is about the relationship between nobility and sacrifice. It is a tribute to my mom’s quiet but profound strength and the unconditional love that she so readily gives to the people who are important to her. This piece is an attempt to give something back to the person that has given me everything I’ve ever needed.