Belonging was commissioned as part of a consortium of multiple choirs for multiple voicings, including SATB, SA, TB, and Unison & Piano options. The text and music of Belonging explore the universal need to belong, whether that is part of a friend group, a community, or society in general. The fear of not belonging can be so strong and paralyzing, it is important that we actively engage in body language, gestures, and speech that create welcoming spaces for those who long to join. A direct message of “You belong here. Please join me.” can be the deciding factor in someone finally feeling like they belong.

This piece is suitable for any Mixed-Voice ensemble and would fit well in any concert about friendship, community, and love.

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Alone Together, commissioned by the Jordan High School Choir directed by Juan-Jose Garcia II, sets the poignant poem written by the commissioner, Juan-Jose Garcia II. The musical setting begins with a dark, somber four note motive that is split between the Violin & Cello, perhaps representing two people separated by circumstance. There is an occasional 3/4 measure to imply a feeling of longing and incompleteness. The piece starts to shift into a more hopeful tonality at Section D, as the narrator experiences “a presence, all powerful, ever present”. The piece blossoms into a pop-infused Chorus at Section G, where we realize that we may feel alone but we are still together in our hearts.

This piece would fit well in any concert about friendship and/or featuring a Mixed Voice Choir.

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