Forever and Always - A Reflection

Dedicated to the 17 students and faculty who tragically passed away on February 14th, 2018 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school in Parkland, Florida. Forever and Always: A Reflection is a programmatic composition that seeks to be a part of the ever-growing theme of self-expression in music by being a musical representation of personal emotions and feelings. My intention in composing this piece was to reflect upon the devastation that incurred in my life and those lives around me when a tragic shooting occurred at my school of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High on February 14th, 2018. In addition to this reflection, I want to illustrate the eventual triumph and hopefulness that came later, after having had time to grow from this tragedy. The piece contains various references to the number 17 because of the fallen students and faculty members, and my desire to make this composition feel connected to real life. In addition to this, I chose to orchestrate and compose this piece in a similar style to the great John Williams, because his music was and has been one of the most inspiring and uplifting things in my life since this tragedy took place. In summary of the structure of the music, this work for symphony orchestra will pass through a series of three movements: Normalcy, Devastation, and Triumph. The music will begin with a seemingly normal yet romantic-filled day due to the reflection of Valentines Day. The music will then be suddenly halted into a place of extreme tragedy and horror, developing even further into a place of sadness. And finally, the music will conclude with the growing hopefulness of a triumphant unity of a strong community of survivors and believers. This is Forever and Always: A Reflection, dedicated to the 17 eagles that were lost on that tragic day. Fly high and be forever and always present in our hearts and in our memories.