Program Notes

Through Clouded Eyes depicts the struggles of being a student in the modern world. Currently, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide in students are higher than they have ever been. Students, especially middle school, high school, and college students are feeling more stressed on a daily basis, causing them to struggle in school. In the past, I experienced anxiety and have witnessed my peers deal with similar problems. I believe it is important to address these problems and work to support students. Through Clouded Eyes works to highlight these issues through music. The choppy melodic and tension filled harmonic themes display the anxiety felt by students. Finally, the abrupt ending invites the audience to continue to think about mental health after the piece has concluded. Through Clouded Eyes is also loosely inspired by René Magritte's painting, "The False Mirror". I had the privilege of getting to see this painting earlier this year at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The paintings of Magritte and other surrealists invite viewers to look at the world from a different angle. I invite listeners of Through Clouded Eyes to do the same and to imagine the world from the point of view of someone struggling with mental health.