Satilla Shores (2022), for Tenor and Piano

On 23 February 2020, Ahmaud Marquez Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old black man, was murdered while jogging in Satilla Shores, near Brunswick in Glynn County in southeast Georgia. Arbery had been pursued by three white residents: two who were armed and driving a pickup truck, and a third who followed Arbery in a second vehicle and videotaped the incident. Arbery was confronted and fatally shot after a struggle with one of the men. The incident ignited a firestorm of controversy as the men were not arrested until 74 days after the incident, even though Arbery was unarmed and guilty of nothing. All three given life sentences.

Setting three poems by Greenville psychiatrist and poet Frank Alexander Clark, the piece is laid out in 6 sections and bears some resemblance to a chamber cantata: I. Prelude - a piano solo of about 90 seconds that introduces some of the material to be heard later; II. Runner’s Paradox; III. Agita; IV. Wake; V. Interlude - a 60-second piano solo that recaps previous themes and transitions to the last song; and VI. Yearning. All sections are performed attacca. Total performance time about 15 minutes; range C4-A5 (as notated in treble clef; contact me for transcription to female voice range). IMPORTANT: It is most appropriate that the singer be Black.

Available from North Star Music.

“Runner’s Paradox” - concerns the joy of running and feeling fit, only to be gunned down for no reason other than running while Black. About 3:10.

“Agita” concerns the the anxiety and apprehension in the Black community and their supporters during the legal process of seating a jury, gathering and exposing the evidence, and building the case that three white men were indeed not justified in killing an unarmed Black man.

“Wake” is a dignified expression of cautious optimism in reaction to the verdict reached by a jury of 12 that included but one Black person. About 2:40.

“Yearning” expresses a longing for real and lasting change in the struggle against racism in America. About 4:10.