Piano,Violin - Level 4 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1261681
Composed by Robert Daniel. Broadway,Classical,Film/TV,Musical/Show. 25 pages. RDMusicStudios #854759. Published by RDMusicStudios (A0.1261681).
On April 19, 2019, I started writing my first composition, His Memory, on my first album, Show Your Pride. The Show Your Pride album was influenced by my best friend, Nigel Shelby, who tragically passed away by suicide after experiencing bullying for being outed as gay. It has been a few years since his death turned a national spotlight on the issue of LGBTQIA+ mental health and bullying. He was 15 years old at the time of his passing. I feel like I've been stabbed in the heart when I found he was gone. It was the first time I had lost anybody that I was close to. I was in a lot of pain at the time. Losing my best friend is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking experiences I have had in my life. This album is telling a coming-out story about a bisexual musician going on a self-discovery journey to find his true authentic self.
I first met Nigel in mid-2018 when I was nervous, struggling with depression, and coming out as bisexual, so I gathered enough strength and confidence to come out to him. He's very kind and supportive of me. He was brave enough to come out to me as well. He has been a really good friend and my spirit guide as long as I've known him. He was understanding, thoughtful, and had a maturity about him that I admired. I feel happy and honored to have known him and had the best friends with him. I truly believe he is watching over me every day.
In this inspirational, heartbreaking piece, His Memory, I will share a coming-out story about two boys who came out to each other, spending their friendship together until one of them passes away. This piece is based on a true story of how I coped with grief, dealing with depression about my best friend's passing, and how I found happiness within myself after his memorial service. It drew inspiration from many compositions and soundtracks, including Where The Sky Has No Stars by Katahj Copley, Lose You Now by Lindsey Stirling (feat. Mako), You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, April Sky by Lin Chin Cheng, and Avatar The Last Airbender by Jeremy Zuckerman. These compositions I mentioned express hope and spark memories of lost loved ones. This piece is in 3 Acts: Friendship, I Lost You. and His Memory Lives On. Each one was inspired by actual events.
Act I: Friendship
Act II: I Lost You
Act III: His Memory Lives On
While you are listening to this piece, I want you to think about someone you love who is no longer with you. If you're one of those people who lost someone special to you, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that you are not alone. Don't try to run and hide from your grief. Whatever your grief experience, it's important to be patient with yourself and allow the process to naturally unfold. You will grieve for as long as you need to, but you are a strong person and will find your way through this. Life is so precious. Cherish every moment with your loved ones.
Coming out is one of the most difficult things a person can do, but if you are having difficulty or are unsure about it, just know that there are people out there who do love you for who you are. Learn to embrace your authentic self. Don't let your sexual orientation define who you are. The right people will accept you and those are the only people who matter. Be yourself, be happy, and do what you feel. Don't care so much about what others think and enjoy your life! Keep following your heart and don't be afraid to stand out!
