Ariel (2017) was commissioned by Creekwood Middle School Percussion Ensemble for their 2017 Midwest Clinic performance, under the direction of my friend, Ariel Gammons.

 

Mrs. Gammons, along with her students, are part of a new wave of percussionists whose interest in music is equal parts traditional and “millennial.” With Ariel, I composed a piece that reflects this dichotomy, combining traditional percussion ensemble instruments with electro-dance style beats. I hope Ariel can reflect the coexistence of millennials and their generational predecessors, both musically and otherwise.