What I Think...

Because true chamber music (between 3 and 8 performers) is such an intimate setting, it gives way for the performers to not just be musical, but also dramatic - meaning that (for my purposes) musicians have the potential to be actors, and specifically comedic actors. So, when my school's composition studio held their annual 24×24 recital, I ended up writing this piece as my contribution. This piece is my honest, reflective, humorous, and sobering response to the question/joke asking why the chicken crossed the road. After having a successful performance of my piece, I started working on expanding the idea into a full suite. I have so far completed the first two movements, and currently working on the last.

This performance took place in Irons Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington. The recording was captured by someone in the audience, so there's moments of laughter throughout the performance - one in particular that stands out is a moment where the violinist is doing a chicken dance.