My Items

A Night at the Cinema explores the versatility of trumpet in film music through 5 contrasting vignettes. The piece opens with a film noir scene, a date night at a restaurant featuring a jazz combo. Our couple then travels to the theatre, where they see an exciting action film showcasing heroic exploits and triumph over evil. Finally, our hero honors those who fell in order to protect us from the nefarious forces.

Special thanks goes to Nikc P. C. who provided thematic material for the Hero and Villian’s themes and to Miles Smith and David Witter who provided vocal talent.

Being two peas in a pod is great. Until you grow out of the pod, or get sick of the other pea. Two Peas explores the stress placed on relationships due to quarantine. This time has allowed us to be closer to those in our households, but sometimes too close…

Written in Collaboration with Lieana Sherry for the 2020 UMKC Dance Collaboration, 'Still, we create'

'Inspired by True Events' is based on our experiences with social distancing and isolation due to the Coronavirus epidemic. The Oxford Dictionary defines ennui as, "A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement." Ennui, we think, is the closest word we have to describe what we're currently experiencing. Through this piece, I wanted to tell a visceral story that deals with the unknown circumstances that we have come and will continue to endure. 'Inspired by True Events' reimagines our reality. Seeing a threat looming on the horizon, weathering the storm, and envisioning a hopeful future.

A CITY OF FACES is dedicated to my grandmother and my Detroit family. 

​

Cities are a constantly changing landscape. For Detroit in particular, gentrification has been a powerful force in making the city into what it has now become. Going back and seeing my hometown through my eyes as an adult is jarring. Old things I once knew are gone and many others have a fresh face. This brings me to question: is Detroit still home if I don't recognize it? 

​

Through writing A CITY OF FACES, I explore this idea and the true meaning of 'home'. I do believe that Detroit is still my home because of the people who are there and the love we share. A city isn't just a collection of buildings, it is also made of the people—the faces—who live there.