Make Your Voice Heard by Harrison J. Collins

Make Your Voice Heard was composed at the request of my friend Adriana Lima, a classmate of mine at TCU. I consider myself very lucky to be friends with Adriana; she is a brilliant, compassionate individual that brightens up any room she enters. I set out to write something that would reflect my profound respect and appreciation for her and would showcase her extraordinary musical skill, which resulted in a trio that is more of a solo with two accompanists.

As it happened, she approached me about this idea around a time when we had bonded over our shared experiences of being put down, mistreated, and silenced by people in positions of power, and our conversations lingered in my mind as I began conceptualizing the work. What resulted is an energetic, cathartic work in which the soloist plays with a sense of flair and unabashed pride.

Within each note is the sentiment that we must not allow bullies and abusers of power to silence us; we must do all we can to make our voices heard, and to lift up those around us so that they may do the same. Additionally, the primary rhythmic motive of the work, introduced by the soloist at the outset, is Adriana’s full name in morse code (Adriana Gively Lima)—this was my way of ensuring that Adriana’s bright spirit is woven inexorably into the fabric of this music. As you hear this work, I hope you hear Adriana making her voice heard (even if you don’t know her), and I hope that you are inspired to make your own voice heard as well.

– H.J.C.