One year ago today, one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known suddenly passed away. He bestowed upon countless people “the relentless refining process of music through uncompromising standards” as we walked into his band hall. I was blessed to study with him for the four years of my high school career and have learned so much from. I would not be the person nor musician I am today if it weren’t for him. He was a teacher, a maestro, and a friend. Rest in peace Bruce Dinkins, your legacy lives on.

This links to a streaming-only mp3 of my requiem for my high school band director Bruce Dinkins who passed on June 22, 2011.

Judaism teaches that the most selfless acts are the ones done for those who have passed because they cannot say thank you in return.  Though this requiem is for him, it is really my thank you to him for all he has taught me and the amazing impact he had on my life.

He left behind an amazing legacy that lives on.

May he rest in peace.

This is a demo of a requiem that I’m writing.  The title is not final.

This demo is nearly complete, I have about a minute or so left of material to add to the end which will make this a first draft when done.

There are three sections to this requiem:

1. Slumber
2. Heart
3. Legacy

And this is all the detail I will give for now.  When this piece is finished I will give much more detail and meaning to the peace.