Synchronicity

Euphonium and Tuba

Synchronicity was composed for Benjamin Land in February 2024 for his Senior Recital at the University of Central Arkansas. The word synchronicity means the coincidental occurrence of events. Synchronicities can remind us that we are sometimes connected and there is a mysterious and meaningful direction to our lives. When I thought about writing this duet for Ben, I immediately remembered the very first time I met him in his tuba audition. His smile was infectious and the look of pure sincerity was glowing at every angle. I later realized the resemblance of Benjamin and my former professor, Harvey Phillips – American tubist, Distinguished Professor of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, and the founder of TUBACHRISTMAS. Over the past 3 ½ years we have seen Benjamin emerge as a leader and as a big brother. I have always felt a special connection with him and the relationship in this duet symbolizes this though music. There are "call and response" passages (like a teacher to a student) as well as intertwining lines that later get us in "sync" in octaves. The beginning tempo marking is ”On a mission.” Ben has been on a mission every day I have known him. I look forward to his future and know we will forever stay connected.