Meadowlarks

Description

Vibraphone, Vibraphone, Marimba, Marimba, Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Violin 4, Viola 1, Viola 2, Violoncello 1, Violoncello 2, Double Bass 1, Double Bass 2 — I’ve long had a quiet ambition to write more for young ensembles, though perhaps not in theway one might expect. My own aesthetic interests are dear to me, so rather than simplifyingmy style, I set myself a challenge: could I write something that fits comfortably alongside myother works, yet is accessible and rewarding for high school musicians?For this piece, I wanted to offer students something that is approachable yet artisticallychallenging but still a chance to explore new techniques, pandiatonic harmonic palettes, andabstract, non-narrative structures. I also drew from memories of my own high school bandand orchestra days: steady pulses, driving 7/8 and 5/8 grooves, and subtle “sound effects” thatremain firmly rooted in a context familiar to young players. Working with the LincolnSouthwest High School Orchestra under the direction of my longtime friend JacobFahrlander was a joy. Jacob trusting me to create something worthwhile for his students, andme trusting his skill as a teacher was at the heart of this collaboration. The maturity andartistry of the students exceeded my expectations, and this experience has only deepened myeagerness to work with young musicians in the future. Born from a challenge to write for young ensembles without compromising artistic depth, this piece blends accessibility with sophistication. It invites high school musicians into a sound world of shimmering harmonies, irregular meters, and fresh textures—music that feels both familiar and adventurous. Inspired by the composer’s own school-day memories and created in collaboration with the Lincoln Southwest High School Orchestra and conductor Jacob Fahrlander, it’s a vibrant, rhythmically charged work that rewards curiosity, creativity, and courage.