Prelude: Aggressively Happy (from Character Studies) by Robert Clayson

Robert Clayson, Marimba Prelude: Aggressively Happy was written to serve as a “high octane,” aggressive opener to concerts. Programmatically, this piece represents people who are so immersed in their own happiness that they seem to emit joy like sunlight wherever they go. We all know of people like this in our own lives, but I am lucky enough to spend most of my time with someone who is exactly this type of person. My wife, Caitlin Clayson, positively radiates joy and happiness wherever she happens to find herself on any particular day. Throughout my many years knowing Caitlin, I have seen her put aside her own problems again and again for the sake of helping others, and do it with a smile on her face. She is truly my biggest inspiration, and this piece is dedicated to her. For more information on this piece, please check out my website! www.robertclaysonpercussion.com