Daydreaming in the Rain is a new work for percussion ensemble composed by Andrew Wray. The work ties together Wray's ear for jazz harmony and love for all things rhythmic, like groove, odd meters, and syncopation. Each section builds on what came before it, ultimately circling around to a final statement of one of the piece's themes, but recontextualized orchestrationally and rhythmically.

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"I began the process of composing Daydreaming in the Rain in November of 2019. I was on a bus, surrounded by some of my closest friends - the members of the UNL Percussion Studio. We had just finished an incredibly special week, which culminated in a showcase concert at PASIC. We were all exhausted but extremely fulfilled, to say the least. Some were sleeping, while others engaged in quiet conversation, looking back in awe at what we had accomplished. I always dreamed of doing 'big things' like this. Earlier in our trip, Dr. Hall had encouraged us all to return to a childlike state of creativity. Equipped with colored pencils, markers, and construction paper, each of us began to create. I composed some of the primary material for this piece on that bus ride, along with some fun doodles and sketches that I still keep with me today.

Many months later, in April 2020, I found myself in a completely different situation. Due to the world events of the time, all classes were suddenly moved online. Ensemble rehearsals of any kind were cancelled for the remainder of the semester. Daily interactions with teachers and peers vanished. I found myself alone in my apartment, with nothing to do but wait. This situation offered me plenty of time to think about things that I had taken for granted before they were suddenly snatched away; most importantly, relationships with other people. This season also offered unique challenges. Depression and hopelessness constantly knocked at the door of my mind.

In writing this piece, I hope to offer up a fragment of beauty in a time that is anything but beautiful. -AW