SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION

Listening Further • By Marie Jules, 10th grade

Inspired by Jess Gillam

I find myself listening further, further into music. I was surprised to hear Jess Gillam’s control of the various tunes that emanated from her saxophone. I didn’t know that such an instrument could generate those sounds. She played effortlessly, and the tunes were among the most exquisite euphonies I have ever heard. I caught myself in a daze, my imagination running free with the scenarios that went along with the music, and I suddenly found myself in a stupor. It seemed as though I could experience the feelings evoked by the musical pieces— sadness, happiness, loneliness, and hope, to name a few. The tension that I felt caused me to sit on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what note would be played next. It was truly a beautiful performance. As left the space, a new sense of curiosity overtook me. wanted to listen further, to lovely tones that would transport me elsewhere. I never expected music to have such an impact on me, but it did. I listened to the playlist made by Jess Gillam, and it felt as though a whole new world had opened up. As I listened to Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble perform Cristóbal de Morales’ “Parce mihi Domine,” I closed my eyes and visualized myself floating up in space. I envisioned myself in a lush, green garden, surrounded by butterflies and other lovely creatures, when listened to the Attacca Quartet perform Caroline Shaw’s Plan & Elevation. I tuned in to Jess Gillam’s performance of Pedro Iturralde’s “Pequeña Czarda” and was in awe as I listened to the various notes that were played. I never thought would voluntarily listen to these kinds of compositions. But after attending Jess Gillam’s concert, it was as if the event had left me craving more of that genre. I caught myself taking a deeper dive into the world of jazzy and classical tones in greater detail. Music is an eye-opener because I never knew how much I’d like symphonic pieces until Jess Gillam’s concert, and now find myself not only admiring the sound of art but also delving further into music.

Down the Hedge • By Guadalupe Bueno, 12th grade

Inspired by tenThing Brass Ensemble