A few years ago my spouse and I got electric toothbrushes. Since then, every night before bed we both go into the bathroom to brush our teeth together. As we do, the tiny motor that powers my brush sends a vibration into my head, soothing my eardrums with a constant tone. Most nights, I really can’t help but hum along. On top of that drone, I’ll start to hum melodies, whatever comes to mind in my tired state. Not really caring about what comes next or how long I spend on each note, just following along with whatever feels right. One night, the melody stayed in my head long after I had gone to bed. The song of a passing moment while doing something mundane. I decided to jot down the notes on a sticky pad on my bedside table. A drone. A melody. A harmony. A rhythm. I put my pencil down and fell asleep. That sticky note became the foundation of Night Songs.

I tell you that story to highlight something important about melodies: They surround us in every moment — in the car, at your desk, at the dinner table, and yes, even brushing your teeth. Most are transitory, unnoticed, and unremembered. There’s something precious in that fleeting existence. In fact, perhaps this piece can be seen as sacrilegious from a certain viewpoint. Trapping a momentary joy in ink and paper, removing the sacred ephemerality it once held. I can understand that view, but I must say I prefer another perspective. By taking this song, expanding it as I have, and sharing it with you all, it creates a new experience. Maybe for those who heard this piece live, on a night in April, in a concert hall, along with friend and family and strangers, they can find comfort in knowing that that one moment existed. It is unique, but it is not special. Moments like this happen to everyone every day. Take notice, and find comfort in that.

I was thrilled when I-Jen asked me to compose a piece for this concert. I have very fond memories of composing for the Percussion Ensemble back when I was a student. I was especially excited to write for the returning alumni, many of whom I had the privilege to play in the ensemble alongside while we were at UVA and many others I had the pleasure to have my first performance with during the premiere. This is by far the largest percussion ensemble I have ever composed. With 38 performers in total, our expansion of the performance beyond the stage and into the audience is not only a necessity for such a large group, but also creates a more immersive experience for the audience. Because of its scale, I know this piece is a massive undertaking, and I truly appreciate all the effort each player put into creating this performance. My hope is that everyone at the performance, both performers and audience alike, found joy in this piece — joy in the ephemeral experience together.

Night Songs was commissioned by I-Jen Fang and the UVA Percussion Ensemble. It premiered at their 20th Anniversary Concert on April 5th, 2025 featuring the full 18-person ensemble alongside 20 returning alumni.

Links: Score Premiere Event