About the Project
Migratory Meditations is a 9-minute composition for solo vibraphone, inspired by the meditative labyrinths on the campus of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. This project is supported by the Quality Enhancement Plan Co-Curricular and Engagement Grant. The project’s primary goal is to create a composition that listeners can use to reflect on nature and music, fostering stress relief and calm.
About Labyrinths
“A labyrinth, an ancient, meditative, circular path utilized by diverse groups for centuries. According to the Labyrinth Society, labyrinths date back 4,000 years and have been used for ritual, ceremony, walking meditations, spiritual pilgrimages, and choreographed dances. Labyrinths have varied designs, but all designs include a meandering, singular path that leads to the center and back out.”
App State Labryinth Page
About the Piece
This composition takes inspiration from labyrinths in its meditative musical material and formal structure. The harmonic material unfolds through slowly arpeggiated chords that simultaneously form the melodic material. The formal structure has an open melodic center section surrounded by block chords. This is a slow-developing meditative piece that invites the listener to slow their mind and reflect on the musical journey.
Ways to Participate
Through the linked performance, listeners may walk the Appalachian State University Labyrinths while listening to the composition. One labyrinth is near the Plemmons Student Union, and the other is behind Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences. If listeners are not able to participate directly with the labyrinths, they may listen to the composition at a natural environment location they find calming.
Regardless of the listening method or location, the hope is that this project helps create a space that allows listeners to experience relief from stress and a sense of calmness.
