It’s always hard to think of how to start these little update posts. I stare at my computer screen for quite some time before coming up with an ok beginning sentence. That was my introduction sentence. Off to a good start! So in other news, I have graduated Roosevelt University as of yesterday. I can’t thank my teachers
Kyong Mee Choi and Stacy Garrop enough for their guidance. I never anticipated my life to be where it is right now, and it’s quite a rush to think about the future. After graduation there has been a lot to think about and I know I’m going to have to start my work up again soon. Currently I’m composing a set of miniatures for a call for scores in Detroit, which once again are expanding upon my interest of weird cloud formations. It’s been a great little side project to work on while figuring out my next big thing. Other than that I will begin work on a few more projects such as a solo alto flute piece for my good friend Suzanne Gillen. There will also be another Ensemble Disquiet concert coming up later in the summer and will most likely present a new work in this as well. Still working out details, but will begin to discuss this soon!
Along with the composition side of things, I am currently plotting to play a solo piano recital consisting solely of new music from colleagues I’ve enjoyed working with over my time living in Chicago. This will probably come to fruition around September and am super excited to present it!
Ursa Ensemble also recently did a Collaboration in Concert with artist Melanie Brown at Scullen Middle School in Naperville, IL. We performed works by Pierce Gradone and Joe Clark, and paired these with a wonderful presentation by Melanie on how to listen to music and express yourself artistically through it. To say the least it went very well, and when we have the art uploaded on the Ursa page, I will post it here as well! There were some very impressive paintings!
Finally I am very pleased to present a recording by Herine Coetzee Koschak on my piece Fire Rainbow Cloud, which she performed in her solo cello concert back in late March! The performance went very well and I was so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with her! Please give it a listen if you have time as it’s the first solo cello piece I have ever written!