The phrase “Forest for the Trees” originates around in the mid-1500s, but one of its most cited uses goes back to 1546 when English writer John Heywood published a collection of proverbs. One of these proverbs goes:

“from him who sees no wood for trees

And yet is busie as the bees

From him that’s settled on his lees

And speaketh not without his fees”

This is largely interpreted to be a criticism of King Charles II and the pope at the time, Pope Paul III. Heywood believed that the leadership in Europe was largely ignoring the issues concerning everyday people in favor of amassing wealth and power. Fitting, isn’t it?

Forest for the Trees is my angriest work to date. It’s angry in its tone, sure, and it builds on years of studying aggressive and nontonal music. However, when I say that it’s angry, I mean that this piece is an evocation of years of built-up frustration with a lot of negativity in the world and acts as a sort of response to recent and current events. Now, with my relatively stable mental condition, I wanted to address much of my past frustrations with a lot of societal issues that I’ve remained mostly quiet on, and I channeled those frustrations the best way that I could: with music.

Notable Performances:

5/26/2024: Gulf Coast Chamber Ensemble New Music Concert (Premiere)

• Gulf Coast Saxophone Ensemble