First

FIRST delves into the intricate journey of a first-generation person, expressing the essence of their experience through an exploration of trials, errors, and the often-misunderstood opportunities that shape their path. The work delves into the challenges posed by an unfamiliar landscape, where the goal posts seem to shift continually under the influence of those possessing more institutional knowledge and clout. The composition's five movements are points of reflection on the persistent feeling of failure to coalesce in often dynamic and demanding environments. FIRST serves to examine the complexities of existing in an unknown space, inviting listeners to contemplate the many facets of the collective cultural perspective that defines the first-generation experience. This work was commissioned by a consortium including Robert Benton (University of Nebraska-Kearney, Consortium Organizer), Kyohei Ando (Kunitachi College), Amy Schumaker Bliss (Freelance - Lewis Center, OH), Mark Carlson (Mount St. Mary's University), John Hart (Keene State College/Los Angeles Philharmonic YOLA), Erik Lundquist (United States Air Force Band), Joel Pugh (University of North Dakota), Jared Sherman (Freelance - Red Oak, IA), William Sutton (Northwest Missouri State University), and Jonah Zimmerman (Florida State University)