"Luminescent Experiments" is the second sketch I wrote specifically for percussion quartet - its predecessor, "Mad Experiments", was one of the first pieces I was ever fully satisfied with and was the first time any of my music had ever received a world premiere. Both of these two pieces focus on a specific emotion, action, or state of mind - "Luminescent Experiments" explores the possibilities of attempting to reach a state of enlightenment beyond all comprehension or meaning.

The goal in composing this piece was to bring out the most illuminating and introspective qualities of each instrument I chose to write for in the quartet. I liked the challenge in writing for an ensemble entirely consisting of metallic percussion while finding the right balance for each player (and the group as a whole) in the process. As such, the development of the piece is more about its overall soundscape as opposed to thematic material, even though the latter is present throughout. The structure of the piece begins and ends freely out of time in a reflective state of mind, bridged by a middle section that experiences a burst of energy and bright colors. It also begins and ends in another similar manner - appearing from silence and ebbing away to nothing.

Thank you so much to professors Gwendolyn Dease and Jon Weber for the opportunity to write this work for the members of the Michigan State University Percussion Studio - I am most grateful to this studio for performing the piece on their annual educational outreach tour in 2016, as well as programming it for their concert at the 2017 Percussive Arts Society International Convention.