Aperture

Commissioned in 2022 for the Vista Ridge High School Symphonic Band, “Aperture” is a reminiscence of the last several years. The piece features a motif that would normally run like a descending scale, but instead, the third note is skipped. The missing note, the aperture, or gap, represents the time in all our lives that we missed out on due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For me, it began in my junior year of high school, hence the third note being skipped. “Aperture” contains several musical references to some of my best high school experiences, which happen to be the shows in which I marched. As a nod to the marching shows that do and will exist past my time at Vista Ridge, there are also references to 2021’s marching show: “Vorca Rhe.” It was really important to me to connect with the students who will premiere this piece, and I believe the subtle but present references that have some sort of personal connection to each student will allow for the preparation and premiere of “Aperture” to be memorable, meaningful, and inspiring.