for David (2018)

for David

David Macbride (1951 - 2018) made a long lasting impression on many of his students and colleagues with his gentle soul and powerful music. The vast influence he had on me forever changed my artistic thought and general way of life.

Having worked on many performing, commission, and recording projects with David, I was provided a rare and unique opportunity to experience art. But, perhaps his greatest contribution was the way he lived life: his kind and gentle nature, his thoughtfulness, his contribution to art and the greater community, and his humor all made him a superb individual and a wonderful mentor to many. There was no one quite like him. David passed away suddenly on September 7, 2018.

This short and humble piece is my way to remember David - a work to be performed or simply just to be thought about.

"for David" is based on several works that David wrote that had a large impact on me, most notably his work A Special Light (scored for piano and glockenspiel), which David wrote after the passing of his close friend Carl Ricketts. Using David’s work as a model and source of inspiration seems appropriate and comforting to me. I hope it will encourage the audience and performers to share an introspective moment and to truly listen, just as David would.