for saxophone ensemble | 6'30"

“then come changes” illustrates the similarities between the change of a caterpillar to a butterfly and the growth of human emotions. It is greatly inspired by this quotation from Maya Angelou:​

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“We delight in the beauty of a butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

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When I first began “then come changes,” I had just finished up my studies at Carnegie Mellon University. Incredibly proud of what I accomplished, I reflected upon the strenuous and dark moments of my academic career -- the nights of questioning my path, the constant imposter syndrome, and the torture of not knowing what comes next. Though I didn’t realize it then, there is so much beauty in these struggles. Because what actually came next was change. Without struggle, there cannot be change. Without struggle, we can’t be butterflies.

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This piece begins with the life of a caterpillar -- peaceful, slow, with a desire to grow. Dense chords and high contrast dynamics provide tension for the beginning of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis. A canon in the altos with multiphonics from the sopranos signifies the cocoon process; this serves as accompaniment for the mystical melody sung by the rest of the ensemble. It all leads to a royal-fanfare-esque moment of the butterfly flying for the first time, finally achieving its goal. It finally rests as it did when it was a caterpillar with a sense of accomplishment and pride in its achievements.

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Premiered by the UT Arlington Saxophone Choir at 2024 TMEA Convention