I’ve been an OKC resident for 74 years and have played music about a decade less. These compositions and arrangements in the beginning didn’t have a concept of a set of tunes about people, places, and things Oklahoma.

 

Prior to the pandemic, I was playing music (thanks mostly to Christian) on a fairly regular basis. This was wonderful because performing with my son is a joyful privilege. When the pandemic began and those opportunities mostly ceased, it was a great disappointment.

 

I saw that an event commemorating the Murrah Building tragedy was curtailed, and I felt I wanted to write a song about that terrible chapter in OKC. That song was “Angels” (which, in collaboration with Christian, Ivy, Chanda Graham and a string quintet, was performed at Mark and Patti Mellow’s Residence 8/24/22.)

 

The next composition was “Heart of the West,” which draws its theme from the “Oklahoma City Limits” sign, live in OKC in the 50’s, and the experience of getting an education here.

 

Having taught instrumental music here over 4 decades, I’ve had so many capable students with different cultural backgrounds. As a result, more tunes about people in Oklahoma and their experiences began to “rattle around” in my head.

 

The idea of a set of tunes forming a show with an opener and closer, and with compositions showcasing community, inclusion and all things Oklahoman, developed. A third of that set has been recorded for you to hear and there are 10 more songs and stories that I'd really love to finish and complete this work!