Yolo
MUSIC Information:
- California Sessions
- C major/A Minor
- 49 Measures
- Cello and Piano
- 3:08 min
- 4 Pages
“California, where the spring comes in the fall and the fall comes in the summer and the summer comes in the winter and the winter never comes at all.” – Inez Haynes Irwin
HIDDEN GEM
Some people may think the greater Sacramento area is not a great place to live, but I happen to disagree. It's all about perspectives, experiences and appreciation. Because of its geographic location, Yolo county is naturally part of the Sacramento region. Both locals and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant area filled with hidden gems waiting to be discover. I am sure, if you asked, most people living here would agree.
Yolo County, as a whole, is largely a vast landscape of agricultural activity and, according to research, is among the richest regions in the world for farming. This abundance comes not only from the fertile soil, but also from the favorable climate. That's truly remarkable, especially when I consider the size and diversity of the world. To fully appreciate it, one has to live there and experience firsthand, the endless blue skies and the earthly tones of the land.
THE YELLOW BRIDGE
Now, if we talk specifically about West Sacramento, in the years leading up to the pandemic the city experienced significant growth. Today, it is likely the second-largest city in Yolo County. As its name suggests, it sits just west of Sacramento, directly across the river.
The Tower Bridge is a vertical lift bridge that spans the Sacramento River, connecting West Sacramento in Yolo County to the city of Sacramento to the east. Affectionately known as the "yellow bridge", it has become both a tourist destination and a local landmark, rich with history and nostalgic character. I spent many mornings and many afternoons walking along its pathways, taking time to admire the river and soak in the view.
Woodland and Davis are two cities in Yolo County that I often visited. Davis, in particular, has grown into a true university town, with the Mondavi center serving as an important stage for the performing arts. Despite its questionable early history, nearly two hundred years later Davis has emerge as a charming and vibrant town, overflowing with young students, all eager to make their mark on the world.
RANDOM MEMORY
In the the years prior to 2019, all of my music recitals took place in Davis at a venue called “The Watermelon”. It was a modest space, but it carried a certain charm that made every performance feel special. I vividly remember one recital in particular, when I performed a duet with Weston_ one of my most esteemed students over the years_ for the opening number. Despite the anticipation, our performance flowed effortlessly, a blend of practice, trust and joy. That moment has remained one of my fondest memories. But how could I possibly forget the performances of all my students?
This may seem like a random memory, but it came to me in the moment. Organizing music recitals was one of the greatest highlights of my life. The musical participation of my students meant everything to me - I lived for those events, and each one filled me with pride and joy. The charged energy in the room as students prepared to perform, the sense of accomplishment that follow each piece, and the music itself, were what made all those months of preparation worthwhile.
EVERY MUSIC NOTE
It's been a few months since I moved away from the area, and I sometimes fear that these wonderful memories of Yolo County will one day become a blur dream, a distant place I can no longer reach.
With this piece I've written, I know those good memories will come alive again each time I revisit it. I also know that the music_ the notes flowing from the melody I carry with me_ will guide me back to Yolo County when my memory begins to fail, keeping it close to my heart. I don't want these recollections to fade away. With any luck, Yolo County will be with me for a long, long time.
MY HAPPY LIFE
Needless to say, Norther California holds a dear place in my heart. It was a happy life, my happy life! Yes, Yolo County and its surroundings may not be the greatest place to live, but if you are listening or playing this piece know that there is a part of Yolo County's beauty in each and every measure of my composition.
As for me, I promise that whenever I play the piece, I'll close my eyes, take a deep breath and imagine myself wandering once more through the vast fields of Yolo. The music will be my bridge back to the place I once knew so well.