Second Language (2005) is a companion piece to a percussion solo titled The Language of Pilots (2004). A recomposition (perhaps even a remix) of the earlier work, Second Language shares an instrumentation (hi-hat cymbal and snare drum), gestures and phrases, and a density of activity and sound with its sibling. There are also sharp contrasts between the works. Where The Language of Pilots develops materials over long spans of time, Second Language emphasizes the accumulation, repetition, and variation of short rhythmic patterns. And while Pilots is loud and extroverted, Second Language is hushed, emphasizing the subtle flickering and scraping of wire brushes across the instruments.

Second Language was commissioned by Deborah Miller, and is dedicated to her and Chris Froh on the occasion of their wedding.

Performances:
2007.10.14: Mondavi Center for the Arts, Davis, California
Chris Froh, percussion

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