Baile Eterno

The primary melodic material of Baile Eterno was written in Interlochen, MI, originally to become short piano piece. After some experimenting, I decided to write for string orchestra. From that point, inspired by the Latin sounds of composers like Arturo Marquez and Christian Colberg, I was able to finish the piece fairly easily.

With a Costa Rican father, I grew up spending summers in the lush rainforests and vibrant cities of Costa Rica, where salsa music and the rhythmic heartbeat of the son clave were deeply ingrained. Eventually, after spending most of my time in the U.S., years of guitar practice influenced my musical style with an American pentatonic flair, colored by hints of chromaticism. This piece is a reflection of those contrasting parts of myself— the Latin rhythms of my childhood merge with the contemporary influences of my guitar playing. Baile Eterno embodies this fusion, crafting a reflective, continually transforming dance.

I am grateful for everyone who has contributed to this piece, especially to the Hershey High School Concert Orchestra and Mr. Brian Buterbaugh for premiering my piece at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All State Festival in 2025.