Shine

Shine is an exploration of brighter instrumental colors within a world of softer, more muted textures. For me, the imagery of light becomes all the more striking when rationed against these darkly romantic landscapes.

You can hear this sort of rationing throughout the piece. For example, the piece begins with a tight, sustained, three-note cluster that is meant to induce a king of quiet, harmonic friction. The saxophones enter first, flickering, and are soon joined by the French horns, whose flutter-tonguing intensifies the aural electricity. The rhythmic and melodic energy builds to several short, brighter moments, but these joyful moments don’t stay for long as we quickly submerge back into more meditative tones.

Shine was composed in 2010 and received its premiere performance by the Rhodes Junior High School Band in Mesa, Arizona, Keith Kuczynski, conductor, on May 18, 2010. I humbly dedicate the piece to the Rhodes band program, my own alma mater.

I would also like to thank Dr. Marc Dickey and the California State University-Fullerton Symphonic Band, who continue to challenge, encourage, and inspire my music through generous readings, rehearsals, and performances.