The Search for Hope

The Search for Hope is a work for wind orchestra comprised of three distinct motifs that tell a story of looking for hope.  Beginning with a crisp and airy feeling, this intensive work gives us a sense of taking flight over a diverse human landscape in the time reflecting the global pandemic, and the ensuing personal struggles, economic problems and conflicts that continue to have lasting consequences for so many people in the world. 

Opening with a “questioning phrase,” illustrated by using a rising minor third motif, the music develops into a more ominous melody that is carried by the bass instruments.  From that questioning phrase the music sharply transitions into a second motif where the music picks up the pace with its own distinctive phrase and musical features, suggesting a time of invasions and military clashes, while tugging and moving our emotions back and forth with a single impression, and raising the question:  Where is hope found?

With the final motif the tempo begins to slow and express a more tempered and solemn course of thought, punctuated by the higher brass that takes the lead in carrying the phrase of the music by using a descending minor third to carry the mood.  Allowing the music to reflect and express the vocal inflections used as when a mother gently speaks the name of her child with love and support—the very essence of hope.