I Dance For Myself

Program Notes

This composition uses repeating upbeat rhythms to reflect on the urge to let loose and dance sometimes. Through this, I try to have a bit of fun while still having something serious to say: that we need this kind of dance, and we need somewhere to feel safe enough to let loose. Towards the end, even as the dance continues, the music starts to turn inward, yearning for a space where our minds can be this free all the time.

Instrumentation

picc+2fl., 2ob., 2bsn., 3Bb cl., b. cl., SATB sax., 3tpt., 4horn, 3tbn., euph., tuba, s.b., pno., timp., percussion 1 (s.d., bells), 2 (shaker, chimes, s. bells), 3 (tgl., cr. cym., t. blocks), 4 (tamb., b.d., fl. tom), 5 (mar., sus. cym., tam-tam)

Premiered March 6, 2024 by Glass Winds Ensemble cond. Melissa Doiron and Pam Paddock. No recording available; want to be the first?