For the past few summers, I have spent time with a pair of excellent instrumentalists - Chelsea Czuchra, flutist; and harpist Lindsay Buffington. This September and October, we will be taking our show on the road as the newly-formed Damselfly Trio, performing some of the "classics" of flute/harp/voice repertoire, in addition to 3 brand-new commissions and one set of transcriptions. If you're in North Carolina, Ireland, or Northern Ireland, we hope to see you soon!

Much of my creative attention recently has been on my writing - I'm reeling toward the conclusion/culmination of my doctoral studies, with a research document focused on Roger Reynolds' Sketchbook for the Unbearable Lightness of Being, for self-accompanying singer. In addition to learning to sing and play the piece, and planning the electronic component (with esteemed composer and engineer Elainie Lillios), I have had the distinct delight of spending a few hours with Professor Reynolds speaking about the piece. Now, I'm tasked with taking all this new information, and trying to honor the composer's spirit by writing many many words about it! I have (much) work cut out for me. 

In the meantime, I'm bursting to share a bit of news with you, but that'll have to wait - here's a photo clue:  

Just a short post to share a few personal highlights from this year's Omaha Under the Radar Festival, where I got to sing, conduct, play piano while singing, and even break out my old Buffet - Kate Soper's Voices from the Killing Jar is a riot to perform. I shared the stage with one of my favorite long-time colleagues, Amanda DeBoer Bartlett, who also directed, costumed, and sang on the production (all while running this AWESOME new music fest!), as well as Grace Manley, a rising star in Omaha and beyond! 

It feels good to return to disciplines I learned long ago - I feel fortunate to find myself in a career environment that affords such opportunities. It is humbling to return to the clarinet (even briefly) for this project - It reminds me how hard I worked back in high school to get into a collegiate clarinet program. I DEFINITELY wouldn't gain admission at my current skill level - ha!