Meadowlarks

Written in 2023 for string orchestra and percussion - especially for high school students (7 minutes)

Commissioned by and written for the Lincoln Southwest High School Orchestra, Jacob Fahrlander - Head Orchestra Director.

 I don’t think most people would expect this, but I’ve always daydreamed about writing more for young ensembles. At the same time, I’m way too attached to my aesthetic interests to want to go too far afield. So, my personal goal was to see how I could explore my aesthetic interests and write a piece that fits nicely within the rest of my portfolio while at the same time writing something appropriate for young folks. I wanted to make something is accessible yet aesthetically challenging and something that pushes the kids to explore new techniques, pandiatonic harmonic pallets, and abstract/non-narrative music. For myself, I wanted to take some ideas that I remember from being in high school band and orchestra and do my own thing with them: there are clear pulses, “rocking” 7/8 and 5/8 moments, and a few “sound effects” that I think remain subtle, while still coming from a context familiar to young ensembles.

I must say that I was extremely impressed with Lincoln Southwest and the maturity of the players under Jacob’s baton. Jacob and I have been close friends for a long time and there is a lot of trust in our relationship; Jacob trusting me to make a piece that will be worthwhile for the kids educationally and aesthetically, and then through my trust in Jacob as a good teacher. I’m happy to say that this experience exceeded my expectations, and I look forward to the next chance I get to work with young artists.