In The Book of Delights (2021), Ross Gay approaches the act of finding delight in everyday life as a scholarly practice, and I have always been amazed at how masterfully and humanely he accomplishes this task. When I wrote Pacific Joy for a group of nearly 100 student woodwind players, I wanted to create and share music that brings me delight. In this case, my ear drifted to soul music of the late 60s and early 70s, which works its way into the piece in various ways.

Dr. Brittany Trotter commissioned this piece for University of the Pacific's 2025 Woodwind Day. I am thankful to Dr. Trotter and the Conservatory of Music's Woodwind Department for making possible the creation of this work.