Hello and welcome.
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This electronic, online portfolio of my undergraduate recital is to demonstrate my knowledge and growth in musicianship and artistry. Here you will find an intersectional display of the musical, the visual, and the virtual.
Malakhi.
The word ‘malakhi’ takes its roots from the Hebrew language meaning ‘messenger’. It specifically is in reference to the biblical angels who carried down truth.
Its usage today in this project is neither biblical nor in reference to angelic beings but is instead symbolizing the intrinsic, deeply personal nature of music. Art, be it through prose, poetry, music, dance, or any other medium, is an outward expression of ourselves for the interpretation of others. This project, by extension, is my opportunity to share myself with those who view it. The portfolio is the 'malakhi’ — the messenger — of my own truth to the outside world.
The crux of this analogy, though, is that for art to do work, it must be interpreted by a viewer. You are my viewer. You will experience my truth in the form of music, mull it over, and walk away thinking whatever you’d like — perhaps you enjoyed the pieces or something particularly resonated with you, perhaps you did not enjoy them. Either are perfectly acceptable, but the point is that you took the time to consider the message as you heard it through the music.
All people express their own truths through their own malakhi. Some write, some perform, some protest peacefully, some paint, some orate, some serve others. We may not understand one another’s truth nor agree with it. But we can all take the time to at the very least listen and consider; to honor one another’s truths and take the time hear them.
Photo by Paul Gilmore on Unsplash
Why does this exist?
Beneath the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, we must find ways to overcome, innovate, and share our art. This portfolio allows my achievements to be shared while ensuring the safety of those who would have attended an in-person event. Additionally, it creates the opportunity to explore the musical medium alongside other applications in the electronic and visual format — something that would not be possible in a traditional recital.
As a future educator, it is my job to be innovative and artistic to foster the same within my students. To strive to overcome the challenges of the day means being prepared to offer experience and knowledge to others to do the same with their own challenges.
Photo by Edwin Hooper on Unsplash
Dedication
In my December Update, I had noted that a family emergency had caused me to not be able share an update with everyone. Unfortunately, this was due to the pandemic, along with its interactions with preexisting conditions, having claimed the life of beloved grandmother: Charlotte Janiece Brown.
A loving, caring, intelligent, energetic force of positivity in my life, she will be greatly missed and forever cherished in heart and memory.
When she was an adolescent growing up in Texas, she chose to play the tenor saxophone in her school’s marching band (and also served a brief time as their baton twirler). Before music and the saxophone were serious in my life, I didn’t know what I wanted to play nor even knew if I wanted to be in band in middle school. However, with a little coaxing from my parents, I joined and I picked the saxophone for two reasons: 1) It is the coolest instrument (this is still true); and 2) Because my grandmother had played it. She was always so excited by this choice and has been an unceasing source of support in my musical, artistic, and educational goals. And, it is quite possible, that I would not be presenting this work to you all had I not known about her past playing the saxophone.
This story only briefly touches on her life and the positive impact she has had as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and elementary school teacher, but it is nonetheless significant especially as it relates to this project.
Therefore, it is with great love in my heart that I dedicate this virtual portfolio to her memory.
I love you, Grandma.
How it works…
While I recommend proceeding through starting with the first piece and as directed through the website, you are free to choose out of order as well. When viewed from start to finish in one sitting, the experience will last approximately 30-35 minutes. Additionally, if you have a moment, I recommend looking around the Acknowledgements, Files and Downloads, and Tell Me What You Thought sections at the bottom of the page. I hope you will enjoy the listenings and electronic experiences. Thank you very much for taking the time to support me in this project.Scroll down to begin.
Raindrops
by Andrew Findley and Andrew Dutch
Featuring John Andretsos on Vibraphone
Rhapsodie for Saxophone and Orchestra
by Claude Debussy, arr. Vincent David
Ex Machina (Machines I and II)
by Marc Mellits
Escualo
by Astor Piazzolla, arr. Andrew Dutch
