[Bad Things Happen] to tiny toy windups

    I spent this past weekend finishing up a short overture-length piece for the Minnesota Sinfonia. It is not a work I would think to upload on this site any time soon. Now that I think about it, there's probably no reason not make it available here...that's a decision for another day. 
    This new work is about bullying. It's in the news lately. That's not what got me interested in bullying. I have been bullied a number of times in my life. I was bullied in the 5th grade by a kid named David who decided it would be funny to call me Slop Bucket Davidson. The nickname didn't stick but I ended up carrying it around with me like a name tag. 
    About the same time, there was a boy who seemed to have it out for me. His name was Paul Little. He pushed me around and taunted me enough times that I finally got up on my hind-legs and fought back. I didn't win or lose the fight but the bullying stopped. I took note.
    Recently, I survived the bullying of a "superior" at a college where I served in a middling bureaucratic role. I have moved on but it was difficult and it left a bit of a bruise on my confidence. I'm all right -- don't fuss. I learned to fight back in fifth grade with that Little fellow. Now, I don't wrestle, I write. This piece was inspired by my "superior" and accompanying cohort. 
    I recently saw a notice on facebook that talked about the emptiness of revenge. I would have to agree: revenge is a waste of psychic time. This piece isn't about revenge. It's about getting centered again, healing, moving on, and putting a garbage experience into perspective.
    The new piece will be premiered by the Minnesota Sinfonia on Jan 11 and 13, 2013. Time to move on.

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