Hello Midsummer’s friends! Since I last saw you, it’s been a busy couple of months.

In early August, I was able to spend a few days in Colorado enjoying the mountains, some hiking, and the star-filled skies. I had a breath-taking view from the historic cabin we rented in Estes Park! Then, it was back to school, and I’ve been wonderfully busy ever since.

Besides trying to stay hydrated (the heat is awful!), I’m keeping busy with composition and piano lessons, plus advanced ear training and conducting courses. I was fortunate enough to audition into the Vanderbilt Chorale, the highest-level singing ensemble on campus, and I’m even trying out Tai Chi for Musicians, too. On top of all that, during junior year, composition majors are required to write their Junior Thesis, and I’m currently doing an analysis of Bohuslav Martinů’s Second Symphony, which was commissioned by the Cleveland Orchestra in 1943.

Looking ahead in my musical calendar, the next performance of my work will be in England, when the Oxford University Wind Orchestra will give the UK premiere of my Památník on November 30. And, later on in February, Nashville’s Grammy-nominated chamber ensemble ALIAS will be performing Partita melodica (Midsummer’s 2018 commission). I am blessed to be working with amazing musicians again!

Also, since it is my junior year, I’m starting to think about grad school. Over fall break in October, I’m hoping to visit with a few composition professors at some schools out east, and I’ll be traveling to New York City, Philadelphia, and New Haven, Connecticut. It’s definitely an exciting time of investigation! I will be thinking of the beautiful autumn leaves and all of you with happy memories from this summer.