This imaginative work is a symphonic poem with multiple layers and levels of meaning. The structure pulls from elements of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem “Pirate Story” touching on childlike wonder and adventure. The number three is a theme used frequently throughout this work. The opening section starts with triplets and an ostinato in three staggered over duple meter. Three power chords lead into the main theme of the piece before it suddenly switches to a raucous chase sequence set in three. The heat dies down into the third texture; a larger than life meditation on the opening theme. The same three chords are introduced, this time with expanded harmonies. After a horn solo expanding the theme into three statements, the tension builds with a staggered three-over-two bass drum beat. This ostinato continues as the clouds break open and the stars shine through. Settling calmy back down, percussion helps transition back into the opening section. With a powerful push to the end, the same three chords help to conclude this work.

This idea of three permeates the entire piece. My parents had three children, all of us three years apart. First, me, then my sister, and then my brother.

I have always been full of energy, dramatic, maybe a bit overdramatic, and certainly deeply expressive. I am also around the least now when it comes to spending time with my family. The opening section of the piece expresses these grandiose but also short-lived qualities.

My sister and I couldn't go more than a day as kids without fighting. Everything was always a battle, and no one ever won. This constant chase to one-up each other caused much tension between us, something I am thankful is gone today. My sister has always been incredibly blunt and rough about her views and opinions, and I would never change anything about our relationship today. The second section, modeled after chase scenes from films, is dedicated to her.

My brother and I are six years apart. Growing up, this meant we were never really at the same level of maturity, and that caused a lot of potential moments of bonding to never happen. This is something I deeply regret. My brother has wanted to be many things as he has grown up. One career plan that was very big for him was becoming an astrophysicist, but he has always enjoyed anything to do with science and the world. The slow, third section is dedicated to him.

Special thanks to Dr. Kevin McMahon and the PFW Composition Studio for their incredible support. Thank you, as well, to Mrs. Madeline Frankenhauser and Mr. Howard Spencer and the St Marys Symphonic Band, without whom this work would not have been given the chance to come to life. Additional thanks to the St Marys Band Parent Association and Alumni Association for helping to make this commission possible. Finally, thank you to my parents, for raising their kids to feel and to love deeply.

"The Harbour and the Shore: A Symphonic Poem" received its world premiere on May 9, 2024, with the St Marys Memorial High School Symphonic Band, conducted by Howard T. Spencer, in St Marys, Ohio

(Program notes provided by the composer. Please use these program notes for all performances.)