Roots

This piece is a celebration of my heritage and ancestry. By incorporating aspects of Palo music in a traditionally Euro-centric style of music I hope to expand the boundaries for what is possible in contemporary classical music as it reflects the eclectic collage of where I come from. I hope to specifically illuminate the underrepresented aspects of my identity in composition as it is those aspects that can create uniqueness and innovation in the long history and tradition classical music. Performing my music is a rebellious act. Centuries of composers have been misguided to dismiss the study of complex rhythm and groove as it is a subject associated with the music of Africa. Now with time and exhaustion of European principles we must look to the countries of Africa with reverence for our missing education on one of the vital ingredients of music. I hope you enjoy the kaleidoscope of colors and weaved rhythms that come together to make this piece come alive! This piece is dedicated to all the ancestors that came before me. May I honor their lives with music.