Your Life Has Just Begun
This is a work that I wrote for my Alpha Delta Pi sorority sisters, who have the tightest bond I’ve ever seen. It is a theme and variations, and each variation was written for a specific woman that I have had the pleasure of knowing. The title is a lyric from a special part of ritual that many of us sisters hold dear.
The first variation was written for a woman who had a dark past, but rose to be the best person she could be as our chapter president. The dark beginning of this movement sets the stage for her beginnings as a young deviant. Joining our sorority changed her life, and as the movement progresses, she sees the light inside of her and promises to become who she was always meant to be. Without ADPi, she'd never know where she ended up.
The second variation is for a woman who was born under the lights of Las Vegas, and how that sparkle and pizzazz reflects in her personality. As a non-traditional member of ADPi, she was older than the rest of my recruitment class, but that didn't stop her from being an active, spunky, young woman. This movement features percussive motions on the cello to simulate the jazz band vibe of Vegas.
The third variation was written for my big sister, my mentor, when I found out that we grew up 45 minutes away from each other in the rolling plains of Eastern South Dakota. We shared the same backyard, and it felt like I had known her all my life. I was inspired by South Dakota artist Terry Redlin's paintings of the South Dakota prairies when I composed this section of the piece. This movement features extended techniques, harmonics, and the beautiful upper register of the cello. Bailee, if you ever read this, let's get Cherry Berry sometime and talk about the old days.
The fourth variation is for a woman whose energy reminded me of a light piano sonata from the classical era. Although we don't speak to each other anymore, I'll always remember her infectious personality. She was the one who gave me the energy to try something new, something stupid, and laugh with her about it several months later.
Without ADPi, I would never have met these wonderful women. The end of the piece brings back the melody and ties the piece together, signifying that our bond will never be broken or lost to time. Boom boom, sisters.
WORLD PREMIERE
October 2019, Westbrook Recital Hall, Lincoln, NE
DURATION
10 minutes, 23 seconds
GRADE
3