The Ocean (2018) for SSAA choir, unaccompanied

Inspired by the large body of water for which it is named, The Ocean contemplates humanity, the interconnectivity of nature, and belonging. Stemming from an experience at the beach, the ocean wind became the first inspiration for material. I had brought my ukulele to the beach with me, planning to spend some time singing but, instead, listened to the wind sing. Blowing against my instrument, the wind had created tone clusters which I imitate with the harmony. The second source of inspiration is the ocean itself, becoming an extended metaphor for humanity in the text and inspiring melodic contour with the nature of its ebb and flow.