2024 Back into the Creative Endeavor: I'm diving back into a creative endeavor I began in 2023, a unique tape-orchestra composition inspired by Steven Reich’s techniques. The piece features manipulated audio clips of modern-era U.S. presidents, creating a rich tapestry of sound. It blends phasing effects and orchestral accompaniment, aiming for a debut at the upcoming May SFCCO concert.

In 'Navigating Challenges in Music Composition,' I share two key lessons: the importance of using accessible file formats for music notation, and the value of detailed planning in composition. These insights, gleaned from recent experiences, are crucial for any composer looking to streamline their creative process and overcome technical obstacles.

Crafting Music: My Week of Progress in Musical Storytelling I delve into the progress of my latest composition, a 15-minute piece weaving presidential quotes into a musical narrative. Breaking traditional structures, it features three thematic sections, each reflecting different facets of America's spirit. Additionally, I'm contributing to a tribute for Dr. Mark Alburger, balancing creativity and collaboration in my musical journey.

A Musical Homage: Crafting My Variation for Dr. Mark Alburger’s Memorial Detailing the creation of a two-minute tribute for Dr. Mark Alburger's memorial concert, the blog explores weaving influences from Philip Glass to J.S. Bach into a concise piece, embedding personal tributes and honoring Alburger's profound musical legacy within tight compositional constraints.

Juggling the Composition Puzzle: A Week of Multitasking and Musical Reflections Amid concert preparations and studio updates, I advanced my composition, facing challenges in balancing tape and orchestra elements. Mixed feedback from a composers' forum prompted considerations for revision. Aiming for a May concert deadline, I seek a blend of thoughtfulness and provocation in my work, without alienation.

Crescendos and Cadences: My Journey Through Music and Musings Amid a bustling schedule, I've advanced my latest composition, completing the "tape" part and delving into orchestral integration, while balancing concert preparations and reflecting on feedback. This work, exploring themes from hope to societal fear, marks a significant phase in my creative journey, blending intricate emotions with musical innovation.

Celestial Inspiration: Weaving the Eclipse into Musical Composition Facing numerous setbacks including illness and travel, I drew inspiration from a transformative eclipse in Texas to craft a new orchestral variation based on my previous work, Sun & Moon. This adaptation, capturing the eclipse's awe, evolves the original movements into a vivid auditory journey, intertwining celestial events with musical creativity.

Serendipitous Moments: Unplanned Brilliance in Orchestral Composition Developing a title for my orchestral and tape composition, I’ve refined sections and transcribed vocal lines into orchestral parts. A serendipitous moment reshaped the piece, highlighting spontaneity’s value. Next steps include further orchestration, aiming for a fall debut.