stones. on shores. waiting. - Clif Walker

Program Notes: With the cancellation of the 2020 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, this commission was temporarily put on hold. We all were. Composers, directors, students: music. Waiting. When would the time be right? When could we move forward? This wait was a time of political, social and global tension. I thought a lot about the concept of potential. What can one person effect? How far reaching can an individual’s actions extend? Can one action create a ripple effect for good, or the opposite? The work reflects the past calendar year. A huge, but very brief “exhale” followed by an impatient quiet, loneliness, questioning, working, waiting. There are arrivals and setbacks, reflection and ultimately progress. Single voices bringing bigger waves into play. The record for skimming a stone across water is 88 skips. Mine is 9. - Clif Walker