L.A.tude

Description

ALL FUNDS WILL BE DONATED TO THE MUSICIANS RELIEF FUND, set up by the Local 47 Union in L.A.

Created in response to the unprecedented 2025 tragedy in southern California

Available as a solo for:
C (treble or bass clef)
Bb (treble or bass clef)
Eb treble
F treble
*Pdf includes piano score AND solo part

Available as a duet for:
upper-register treble clef
mid-register treble clef
mid-register bass clef
low-register bass clef

Note from the composer:

In the early weeks of January 2025, southern California was subject to one of the worst disasters in U.S. history. Fires raged out of control, enhanced by Santa Ana winds, and thousands of people lost their entire lives in a matter of minutes. At the time of this writing, the fires still rage, and dozens of people have perished. To me, it is unfathomable.

Personally, I know several musicians who have lost everything, and have read about many more. At times like this, as a composer, I find myself anguished that I can’t do more to help those in need.

With that in mind, I have composed this etude, with the idea that all money (not just “proceeds”) taken in through sales would go directly toward a fund to aid those who have lost everything. It is written as a relatively simple etude in C Major, with the idea that it might be accessible by a wide array of musical abilities. It can be played as a solo etude, or I have written a piano accompaniment for use in that way as well. I have made versions for treble and bass clef, and for many different keys (B, C, E, F) with hopes that many can use it, thereby increasing the donations to L.A.

One will note that the music itself switches from major to minor oftentimes quite quickly, symbolizing how quickly things can change in one’s life. The ending, however, is hopeful, just as we all hope that there is a path through this terrible event that so many have endured. To all those who have purchased this L.A.tude to help the people of California, I thank you most sincerely for joining in to support the cause.

~ Jim Stephenson; January 14, 2025