Holding On

Listen to the work here!
 
Holding On is a work for solo vibraphone, written specifically for a 4-octave instrument with range C3-C7. This work is in memoriam, dedicated to the memory of three important individuals in my life, who passed away between the months of October 2021 and February 2022. They are: University of North Texas Percussion Professor Christopher Deane, whose influence on my compositional philosophy, the thoughtfulness of my performances and written works, and even my decision to attend UNT, have massively impacted my life; my family’s miniature schnauzer and all-around perfect dog Scamp, who lived a long and rewarding life and was with our family for over half of my life; and my grandmother Jeanette, who had always been one of my most fervent supporters in all areas of my life, and who derived as much joy from being a grandmother as my cousins, sister and I did from having her as our grandmother. In the midst of the collective grief over these three individuals, I also happened to be studying jazz vibraphone literature and technique for the first time, and in my regular practice of improvisation, the melodic ideas of this piece developed and simmered in my head before realizing themselves into the completed work, though the work itself is not directly jazz-influenced. In premiering this work at the University of North Texas, I felt that I was able to finally express how I felt about grief and loss. I was able to find closure and give Professor Deane, Scamp, and my grandma one final “thank you” for all of their love and support, and promise them they would never be forgotten.