Trust

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Description +
- Trust, like many of my recent compositions, is an exploration of the interaction between pure symmetry and aesthetic symmetry. An example of pure harmonic symmetry would be augmented chords, and aesthetic harmonic symmetry a major seventh chord. I explore similar concepts in a rhythmic context. One such example is starting with a symmetrical accent pattern, then using metric diminution or augmentation to create feelings of rhythmic tension and release. My explorations of symmetry are mostly targeted toward that very end – a convergence of multiple streams of tension and release.
  
  The instrumentation (and in some ways the structure) is inspired by the works of my teacher and dear mentor Michael Burritt. Few humans have challenged and inspired me more than he. Not only did he invest in my development as a performer and teacher, but he also encouraged my aspirations to compose. In the midst of his extremely busy schedule, he would always take extra time to listen to my new works and offer feedback. Many times this would lead to showing me his new project in progress and explaining the compositional strategies at work. His musical DNA will forever be present in my music.
  
  I don’t really write programmatically. Most of my works are birthed from improvisation, followed by musical and structural development at the piano, further development within a DAW, and finally orchestration. Instead of a premeditated program, I title my works based on a characterization of my personal life at the time of composition. My family and I follow Jesus, and while Trust was being written we were in a precarious life season that required a significant amount of trust. I like to think, in some abstract way, that this idea is imbued in the music.
  
  Trust was written for the students at Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham, Alabama. They performed the unofficial premiere at their percussion ensemble concert in Spring 2023. I’d like to thank Brad Palmer and his talented students for their wonderful performance of the piece in its early stages. The following semester I workshopped a new edition of Trust with my students at Auburn University, and it was officially premiered by those students in November 2023.
  
  To Bren, Ace, and Georgie - thank you for trusting me as we navigate this crazy season of life. I’m forever grateful for your steadfast love and patience.
  
  Aaron Locklear
Instrumentation +
- Percussion Ensemble
  
  Solo Marimba
  Marimba (5.0 Octave)
  
  Percussion I
  Djembe
  Glockenspiel
  Piano
  optional: Electric Keyboard
  
  Percussion II
  Talking Drum
  Vibraphone
  
  Percussion III
  Shekere
  Mark Tree
  Crotales
  Glockenspiel
  Marimba (shared with perc. IV)
  Floor Tom
  
  Percussion IV
  Caxixi
  Gankogui
  Ocean Drum
  Hi-Hat
  Marimba (shared with perc. III)
  Concert BD
  
  Drum Set
About the composer +
- Aaron Locklear is currently coordinating the percussion area at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. He is also directing the Auburn University Drumline while finishing his doctoral work in Administration of Higher Education. Aaron is primarily a teaching-focused professional, but is also an active performer, being featured on concerts at the PAS Alabama Day of Percussion, at PASIC with the inaugural All-Star Percussion Ensemble, and as a featured artist at the Great Plains International Marimba Competition. He previously served as Director of Percussion at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama.
  
  Aaron holds a Master of Music and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Auburn University. His primary teachers are Michael Burritt, Doug Rosener, Chip Ross, and Jeff Grant.
Credits +
- Front Cover Artwork: Nicola Lee
  Photo: Ryan English
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com
  With support from Koda’s Cultural Funds

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