Open Minds, Closer Thoughts

Terence Scruggs, a co-author of “Writing Our Way Out: Memoirs from Jail,” speaks post-performance with members of the VCU Commonwealth Singers following their premiere of Prof. Antonio García’s composition “Open Minds, Closer Thoughts.” photo credit: Skip Rowland

During his Fall 2017 VCUarts Dean’s Research Reassignment Award, Jazz Studies Director Antonio García created an original composition based on the paths of incarcerated individuals and the hope for personal and community redemption. “Open Minds, Closer Thoughts" was thus commissioned for the VCU Commonwealth Singers (Dr. Erin Freeman, Director), itself a collaboration between largely a jazz composer and primarily a classical choir. The piece is based on the book Writing Our Way Out: Memoirs from Jail by my English Department colleague Dr. David Coogan. You can view an online video that captures the April concert premiere of the composition. There is also a related "behind-the-scenes" VCU News video “Open Minds, Closer Thoughts: a VCU Choral Premiere.” And a reprise of the movement "Change," performed virtually by isolated choir members during COVID-19 lockdown a couple of years later, can be enjoyed via video. Finally, an NPR-affiliate interview Dave Coogan and García did about the piece is also available.

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