If I Should Go

During the course of our life we become close to many people. Colleagues, mentors, spouses and especially family all play an enormous role in our happiness, success and overall well-being. But the value of a best friend cannot be overstated. This type of friendship is built upon mutual caring, trust, loyalty and knowing that you have a person in your life that wants to hear from you, do things with you and simply be there for you, no matter what the situation. This person does not judge you but supports you during life's challenges and helps celebrate your triumphs. To have such a person in your life is priceless. They are irreplaceable. If I Should Go was written to honor the memory of Bill Haynes, a music educator and conductor whose life tragically and senselessly ended in a car-jacking in 2016. Brant Karrick and Bill Haynes were very close friends beginning with their days in school together. The composer uses a musical warmth and vitality to reflect Bill's happy, kind and generous spirit, while dissonances portray the sadness and depression felt by losing a loved one. Danny Boy is quoted as it was a favorite tune of Haynes. Further inspiration for If I Should Go came from the poem of the same name, written by Joyce Grenfell, that helps us all to carry on with life after losing someone we cherish.