for solo Clarinet in Bb or A
commissioned by Julianne Kirk-Doyle
Premiered at ICA ClarinetFest 2025
Duration: c. 3:30-4:30
 
January 2025 Performance video (Potsdam, NY)
 
The loss of a family pet is always a difficult event. It’s like losing a piece of your heart- of yourself, even. But one thing is true- pets often stick around and their presence can be felt. Always Here is based on many accounts of pets’ spirits possibly haunting their owners after they pass. Doors may open/close around the house, and owners may feel their former pets laying on them even if they’re not physically there. Our pets’ love always remain and that is a very comforting, but bittersweet thing.
 
The piece itself has a subdued, but lyrical melody which represents the poignancy of remembering one’s pet. This has a conversation with playful arpeggios and scales which are memories of that pet playing around...maybe even still in the afterlife.