In Her Footsteps is a deeply personal tribute to the life and legacy of

Lavinia Richards. While composing this piece, I found myself tracing the

echoes of her journey—the kindness she shared, the wisdom she

imparted, and the quiet strength that defined her. Each phrase is a step

along the path she walked, a path that continues to inspire those who

follow in her footsteps.

The piece begins with a simple, introspective melody, representing the

early moments of reflection—memories surfacing like footprints left in

the sand. As the music unfolds, harmonies bloom and rhythms take shape,

illustrating the way her presence shaped the lives around her. Moments

of tenderness give way to passages of quiet resilience, as if capturing the

essence of someone who moved through the world with both grace and

determination.

During the second section I wove in the melody of Lavinia Richards’

favorite hymn, allowing it to emerge gently from the surrounding textures

like a cherished memory resurfacing. Rather than presenting it in its

traditional form, I reharmonized and fragmented the hymn, allowing it to

flow naturally within the piece’s harmonic language. The hymn’s presence

is subtle yet unmistakable—at times nestled within delicate counterpoint,

at others blossoming into fuller, more radiant voicings—serving as a

musical reflection of the comfort and faith that guided her life.

This piece is not only a remembrance but an invitation—to walk, if only

for a moment, in her footsteps.