In For Samantha, I experimented with two main ideas - reworking melodies into different moods through time signatures, and introducing sections of quarter tones. An example of the first idea is when a theme is presented in the first part of the piece in an asymmetrical meter, giving it an unbalanced feel. Later, the same melody returns in a more steady time signature, adding a groove. In terms of the second goal, I wanted to smoothly introduce quarter tones into the piece, and in order to accomplish this I gave the instruments staggered entrances. The purpose of this was to give the listener a chance to appreciate the gradual build-up in complexity of the quarter tone harmony.

Performance by the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet

For Samantha

I wrote Hypnogogic Song because I wanted to experiment with electronics, and more specifically, learn how to use looping in writing and performing. The piece begins with an introduction which establishes a melody. Once the melody has been established, the piece begins a pattern whereby the original tune is developed over a series of loops. The word "hypnogogic" refers to the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, a surreal space where dreams begin and end.

Performance by Asher Sizemore