Giselle Wyers Music
I AM THE STORM
for SSA choir and piano
A group composition project by the members of the Lyrica Treble Ensemble
Text adapted from anonymous sources, T.S. Eliot, and John A. Shedd
copyright 2025
I AM THE STORM
TEXT
Do I dare disturb the universe?
A ship in the harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.
Let us go then, now you and I, when evening is spread across the sky; ‘Till voices wake us and we start to drown.
Dare I disturb the universe? I can disturb the universe! Can I? Will I? Do I?
...Hope...
I can! I will! I hope!
They whispered to her, “You cannot withstand the storm.”
She whispered back, “I am the storm.”
Let us go then, you and I, when darkness is spread against the sky.
Dark is proof that light was there, light will come.
---Text adapted from anonymous sources, T.S. Eliot, and John A. Shedd
PROGRAM NOTES
Under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Rodgers at Iowa State University, with mentorship from composer Giselle Wyers, the Lyrica Ensemble curated text built around common messages that they wish to guide them during their college studies. Students then improvised and crafted unique melodies to fit the lines of text, and finally imagined and described harmonic and textural ideas to enhance the expressive impact of the piece. Rodgers and collaborative pianist Ian Lewis solidified harmonies and sequencing suggested by students. Wyers led the students in short composition lessons through the process, then arranged their original vocal material, including layering and sequencing content, and added a piano accompaniment.
DR. JENNIFER RODGERS, Collaborative Conductor and Editor, is the Assistant Director of Choral Activities and an assistant teaching professor of voice at Iowa State University where she directs the Cantamus and Lyrica ensembles and teaches classical and musical theater voice majors. Her career is dedicated to building bridges between contemporary and traditional singing and between choral and solo voice professionals. Dr. Rodgers is a frequent clinician and guest conductor throughout the Midwest and in the Pacific Northwest, and is the “Rehearsal Break” column editor for the The Choral Journal. She has presented and published nationally and internationally on the topics of choral pedagogical language, musical self-image, and on choral relevance – a movement to examine choral music through a lens of inclusivity and connective dialogue.
GISELLE WYERS, Arranger, is a conductor and composer with over 35 commissioned works in her catalog. She collaborates regularly with community choruses as well as educational choirs, with performances across the globe. Her works are published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, MusicSpoke, GIA, Hildegard Music and earthsongs. Wyers is especially dedicated to using music to explore the beauty, mystery and heartbreak we all experience as modern citizens in a complicated world.
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