Congratulations to Gabriela Lena Frank on her 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Music!
American Composers Orchestra
Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute (JCOI)
Through ACO's past initiative, JCOI, Dr. Frank was my mentor throughout the process of composing my first orchestral work, Seed (2016). This work was selected for a reading (informal performance) by the American Composers Orchestra at Columbia University's Miller Theatre, NYC, and was premiered by the Bloomington (IN) Symphony Orchestra in 2020.
GLFCAM 2018 Chou Wen-chung Fellow
Dr. Frank invited me to join her new co-hort of emerging composers, The Gabriela Lena Frank Creative Academy of Music (GLFCAM). For 2 years, I was a Chou Wen-chung Fellow In my first year, I composed musical settings of two poems by Jean Toomer (1894-1967) for Duo Cortona, for a reading in Columbia, South Carolina.
The Afro-American Chamber Society Orchestra's "Black Legend Composers" Concert, Los Angeles, CA. Vince Womack, Conductor.
A 2nd performance of my orchestra composition, Trek of the Fantast.
Composers' scores on the conductor's stand: Gabriel Irby, myself, and Ulysses Kay.
Honored -- and surprised -- to receive this special award presented by the orchestra and acknowledgement by Rep. Maxine Waters, "in recognition of your impressive talent and visionary leadership in championing the value of classical music to broadening the cultural horizons of all who experience live performances".
Kamasi Washington's Harmony of Difference at David Geffen Gallery, LACMA, June 2025
Singing KW's choir with fellow chorister Nia Andrews and the West Coast Get Down's Patrice Quinn.
Choir and crowd: one of 10 different ensembles performing in spaces throughout the newly-constructed gallery. Conducted by Dr. Dexter Story, accompanied by Kenneth Crouch.
