This piece was commissioned by Raymund Ocampo, Director of Choirs at Linn-Benton Community College, for the Albany Sings! choral festival in Albany, Oregon. The piece is written from a place of gratitude for the gift of being truly seen by others and the privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another, especially in their time of trouble. We are social creatures and need help at every turn of our existence, and Witness celebrates the life-giving connection that is made when we take the time to come alongside someone with empathy and simply see them as they really are.
  I love the art form of rap and spoken word poetry and was fortunate to collaborate with Oregon rap artist Giancarlo Marcelo on the original verse written for this piece, but it remains an open invitation for other rap artists in your choir or in your community to write their own bars in that musical space provided. While I've heard many impactful performances of the original rap lyrics, I am especially moved when a poet has the courage to share their own, original words in this piece, and I welcome that collaboration and revision with enthusiasm.