When Stone Becomes Forest - Rodriguez - THE AMERICAN PRIZE Winner 2022 by Josh Rodriguez

"I wrote When Stone Becomes Forest during the pandemic for Guy Holliday and the California Baptist University wind ensemble. Originally, the title was When Forest Becomes Stone (based on a line from C. S. Lewis' novel Out of the Silent Planet) and was intended as a lamentation over the irresponsible way in which many have treated the earth. But I simply couldn’t remain negative (my personality perhaps?), and as the piece took shape, the music began to reflect an awakening, a life-affirming celebration of what happens when we care for the earth, plant trees, recycle, and nurture our corner of the world. New life (so the title had to change)!" - Josh Rodriguez