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I was inspired to write "Light in a Dark Sky" while watching a nighttime thunderstorm from a distance. Lightning would strike and the entire sky would illuminate for a moment. I was experiencing this beautiful moment one flash at a time. When reflecting on this, I could not help but make a connection on the importance of staying hopeful when things seem less than ideal in life. We can often lose sight of our inner strength even though it is always inside us, much like the bursts of lightning illuminating the dark sky. I hope this piece inspires others to not lose hope, to fight through their struggles, and to find beauty in all moments of life.

"Light in a Dark Sky" was selected as 2nd place in the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s Annual Composition Competition in 2019. 

The main theme (the light) of this piece can be heard at the beginning in its natural form played on the steel pan. As the piece develops, the theme becomes warped as it fights against the other musical voices' haunting lures and aggressive attacks. The violin plays two roles; one as a source of strength, another as a source of destructiveness. The light experiences many different stages including: sadness, doubt, strength, loneliness, and motivation as the other musical voices attempt to discourage the light. In the end the light triumphs and can be heard after the rambunctious finale.  Key Signature: c minor.  Time Signature: 4/4.  Tempo: 80 bpm and 140 bpm.  Duration: 4 minutes.

Difficulty: Medium/Advanced (great for high school and college chamber ensembles)

Instrumentation: tenor (C4-D6) or double seconds (G3-G5)/violin (C4-C7)/marimba (C3-D6)/piano (D1-F6)

ITEM ID : PMBK-003