This work is one of three works from Songs of Isolation, a project for solo cello aimed at illuminating important voices in this immensely challenging time across the globe.
We all, as humans, experience separation in a variety of forms. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, a break-up, a divorce or a permanent relocation from family and friends, a parting of ways is a part of life for us all. To illustrate this musically, I chose to use the timeless words of the 13th century Persian poet, Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī to convey this inevitable human experience. Each of the four movements depict moments of grief, sorrow as well hope and encouragement. Rūmī reminds us through his words that “What hurts you, also blesses you”
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is perhaps one of the most well known African American spirituals. As beautiful and rapturing as its melody is, it should be.
Hymn Arrangement of Sweet Hour of Prayer
“The Block” is a short orchestral study based on the late visual art of Romare Bearden. Most of Bearden’s work reflects African-American culture in urban cities as well as the rural American south.
This piece is inspired by Emma Lazarus’ gentle, welcoming words in her poem, “New Colossus”. Lush, bright harmonies in the strings are used to represent hope and unity.
This piece explores African American folklore as well as Afrofuturists stories. This work is commissioned by the Sphinx Organization for its 25th Anniversary and the University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra.
One of the hobbies that I (and a lot of other people) have developed during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic was cooking. I decided to set to music some of the recipes (created by my friend and colleague Carl Dupont) that I tried and mastered during this difficult time.
In January 2020, Kenneth Thompkins of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra asked me to write a concerto for him as the principal trombonist of the orchestra. He suggested a piece about the Underground Railroad since Michigan was one of the last states for enslaved persons to reach before getting to freedom in Canada. The Underground Railroad was a network of clandestine routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early- to mid-19th century. It was used by enslaved African Americans primarily to escape into free states and Canada. The piece is inspired by the many stories, accounts and experiences told by many enslaved people and abolitionists.
Work for men’s chorus (TTBB), 2 trumpets in Bb, piano, organ, written for the 150th anniversary of Morehouse College.
This concerto for orchestra is inspired by the poem, Awake, Asleep, written by the Nepali poet, Rajendra Bhandari, and was commissioned by the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington.
Between 1916 and 1970, the mass exodus of African-Americans leaving the rural South, seeking homes in the urban West, Midwest, and Northeast became known as the Great Migration. Inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s book The Warmth of Other Suns, I chose to bring these stories to life through the voice of a string quartet.
A work for tenor saxophone, trumpet, drum set, bass, and piano.
"I have decided to compose an orchestral study on each of the zodiac elements—Fire, Water, Earth and Water."
This piece was inspired by an interview with Oprah Winfrey
Brea(d)th is a classical work, inspired by the enduring presence of George Floyd the Ancestor, asking America to consider an equitable future. We come to the resilient and root-rich Twin Cities as outsiders, but we composed this work from within the walls of Black emotion, curiosity, and dignity. The piece explores a historical timeline that stretches from the pre-colonial to the present condition, and perhaps further, into a post-pandemic America. Who would we be if we used covid-19 as an opportunity to focus on both public health, *and* public healing? Our entire country has endured a trauma… how do we publicly heal?...
I have been constantly aware of the presence of my ancestors in my life. The benevolent forefathers and foremothers are there to help, guide and assist. This piece is inspired by a poem by nayyirah waheed, which simply asks the ancestors to speak louder if you can not 'hear them'.
This piece was commissioned by Lineage Percussion for Shadows of Lakeland
The pandemic of COVID-19 has continued to influence my social, professional and personal life in ways that I never imagined. Day to day life has been like a continuous “loop”; a never-ending quarantine loop. This piece reflects my feelings about the mandated stay-at-home order during this crisis.
This piece represents the desire to get out and MOVE - an imaginary syncopated joyride that moves with enery and forward motion.
reflections was commissioned by current and former members of the Georgia State University Graduate Wind Conducting Studio and Symphonic Wind Ensemble for Dr. Robert J. Ambrose in celebration of his 20 years as Director of Bands at Georgia State University. The commission was organized by Associate Director of Bands Dr. Chester Phillips and graduate conducting student Ellie Anderson.
Commissioned by the Gabriela Lena Frank Music Academy in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
I often heard the bible scripture, “Where two or three are gathered in my name I will be in the midst,” (Matthew 18:20) in my family’s small church where the attendance often was just my parents and my siblings. Hearing that scripture meant that there was a much larger purpose to being present in the small gathering