In The Pocket

(Duration: 5 mins)

Instrumentation: 1-1-1-0/1-1-1-0/2 perc/piano/strings

A driving and exuberant concert opener playing with the duality of the phrase “In the Pocket” in jazz and in surfing.

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In jazz

“In the pocket” – a groove, a tight rhythmic performance, a moment when the ensemble locks together and plays as a single entity.

In surfing

“In the pocket” – The fastest, steepest part of a wave, under the breaking lip, where surfers catch the most speed and energy.

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In The Pocket was commissioned for by conductor Angel Velez for Education Through Music Los Angeles.