Works

Vox Fortunae unfolds with a sense of forward motion and open possibility, shaped by gestures that suggest anticipation and release. The music moves between buoyant, unburdened passages—marked by a feeling of “not a care in the world”—and moments of gathering energy that press toward something just beyond reach.

Throughout, the harp and strings interact in shifting layers, alternately driving momentum and suspending it, as if allowing time to stretch before the next turn. The work embraces a spirit of risk and freedom—“let it ride”—culminating in passages of broad, triumphant expression.

Rather than settling, the music remains in motion, carried by the sense that something is always about to happen.

Desiderium was written for the String Symphony with Harp and Guitar at Pine View School for the Gifted. The title, meaning “longing,” reflects a moment of transition—of looking ahead toward an uncertain future while remaining connected to the intensity and clarity of youth.

The music unfolds as a series of reaching lines and suspended textures, suggesting both anticipation and reflection: a sense of moving forward, even as something formative begins to recede.

The work was shaped to highlight the ensemble’s Florida Music Soloists, whose individual voices emerge from and return to the larger texture.

Desiderium was premiered by the Pine View String Symphony, whose performance brought depth and sensitivity to the piece.

Gardyloo! is a vibrant and thrilling piece composed for concert band, skillfully crafted to create a memorable experience for both performers and listeners. Rated at a 3-3.5 difficulty level, this composition balances accessibility with engaging musical challenges, making it a perfect selection for intermediate ensembles.

Spanning approximately 5 and a half minutes, Gardyloo! takes the audience on a dynamic journey, weaving together moments of exhilarating intensity with interludes of sweet, warm tranquility. The piece is characterized by its vivid energy, juxtaposed with sections that offer a gentle respite, creating an enjoyable variety that captivates listeners from start to finish.

The title, Gardyloo!, adds an element of humor and historical reference, originating from a term used to warn pedestrians of waste being thrown from windows above. However, beyond its amusing origin, the piece carries a deeper message encouraging people to “look up” from their distractions, such as their phones, and engage more fully with the world around them.

In Gardyloo!, the combination of rousing moments and tender harmonies ensures a performance that is both fun for musicians and thoroughly enjoyable for audiences, making it a delightful addition to any concert program.

This symphony, inspired by the geometric elegance of the Star of Lakshmi, captures the unique interplay of two intersecting stars merging into a unified shape. Without referencing cultural associations, the piece focuses purely on the visual form’s balance of strength and softness. Across its 5 ½ minutes, it explores contrasts in texture and mood, moving fluidly between dynamic tension and delicate introspection.

The music opens with bold, resonant lines that establish the symmetry and power of the shape, as instruments weave melodic and harmonic ideas to create a layered soundscape. The middle section builds a sense of urgency, mirroring the tension within the intersecting points of the stars; here, rhythmic and harmonic intensity peaks before a satisfying release. In gentler moments, the flute delicately carries the central motive, adding a tender, introspective quality to the shape’s softer, rounded edges.

With its focused length and refined pacing, this piece captures the geometric beauty of the Star of Lakshmi, balancing strength and tenderness in a compact symphonic experience.

Claustrophobic is a compelling piece for string orchestra that explores the concept of being contained and then experiencing the sensation of freedom. Through intricate rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and evocative melodies, the composition captures the emotions of constraint and liberation.

The piece opens with tense, rhythmic patterns featuring sharp pizzicato notes and dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of confinement. These elements build progressively, heightening the tension and pulling the listener into a claustrophobic experience.

As the tension peaks, the music transitions into lovely, romantic sections with lyrical and sweeping melodies rich in harmony, evoking a sense of release and expansive freedom. These lush and expressive sections provide a stark contrast to the earlier tension.

However, the sense of liberation is fleeting, as the piece returns to tense rhythmic motifs that recapture the feeling of constraint. The oscillation between these contrasting sections reflects the cyclical nature of confinement and release.

The climax weaves these elements together, with the final moments left ambiguously balanced between tension and freedom. The unresolved conclusion prompts reflection on the perpetual struggle between these opposing states.

Claustrophobic uses the full expressive range of the string orchestra to create an intense yet beautiful exploration of constraint and liberation. The interplay of rhythm, dynamics, and melody takes the listener on an emotional journey, capturing the essence of both tension and harmony.

Step into a world where every moment holds unparalleled significance with “Un Unique Usage (A Unique Moment),” a symphony that poignantly captures the fleeting nature of life. Much like the transient experience of marveling at a masterpiece painting in a museum, hearing an exquisite piece of music performed live, or witnessing a life-altering event such as a wedding or funeral, this composition delicately explores the enigmatic and melancholy essence of moments that can never be relived.

Throughout the piece, various ensemble groupings come together to create both poignant and reflective passages. Each section works in harmony to evoke the delicate, transitory essence of life’s most cherished experiences.

The composition unfolds with deeply reflective melodies that carry a sense of sorrow, only to build into triumphant moments that symbolize the human spirit’s resilience and the tiny victories found even in trying times.

Rich and evocative horn sections add depth, invoking grandeur and triumph as they rise and fall, guiding the listener on an emotional journey. While the strings and winds join in to celebrate the ephemeral nature of life through a vivid interplay of instrumental voices.

As the symphony progresses, melodic moments return, weaving together the various themes and reminding us of the momentary nature of precious experiences. “Un Unique Usage is a testament to the passage of time, emphasizing that sometimes, one shot is all you get—but in that singular moment, there lies profound significance, hope and opportunity.

This symphony is a heartfelt ode to the ephemeral, a reminder to cherish each moment, and a vivid emotional tapestry that resonates deeply with the listener.