/per/

For this piece, I was challenged by the UCF New Music Ensemble to create a piece based on the homophone "/per/." I decided to focus mainly on the word "pare," as in to cut something over and over so as to "pare it down." With this piece, I attempted to pare down the time signature throughout. Pay attention to the conductor as this piece progresses, and you'll gradually see the paring process. About two-thirds of the way through the piece is where the paring really becomes apparent. Watch as the conductor gives three beats, two beats, and eventually one beat per measure. As for the actual melodic and harmonic content of the piece, I gleaned some inspiration from Pear Lake (located in Sequoia National Park, California, USA). When the lake is clear, you can see a reflection of the surroundings. Throughout the piece (especially in the slower B section), listen for the statement of a theme and then a "reflection" of that theme added on top. I hope this piece creatively and accurately represents the homophone "/per/!"