Poem of Defiance

Commissioned by Indiana State University School of Music for its 59th Annual Contemporary Music Festival
Premiering October 2025

Poem of Defiance is a musical portrayal of tenacity, resilience, and unwavering strength in the face of adversity. The driving, powerful energy of the piece embodies the courage to confront and overcome life’s obstacles. There’s a heroic quality throughout — evoking the spirit of a champion within us all, one who faces fear, challenges injustice, and stands firm for what is right. The piece should be performed with a strong marcato articulation throughout, maintaining a sense of determination even in the slower, more lyrical sections, which should still be played with conviction and purpose.