Through the Noise

Through the Noise is an honest reflection on what it feels like to be a young person in the world today: from navigating the challenges of growing up in a fast-moving, noisy, digital world to feeling a heavy, often unasked-for pressure to be the generation to "fix" things. The concept and lyrics are inspired by reflections shared by the 2026 National Youth Chorus of Canada choristers. As well, this work features audio samples played from smartphones, symbolizing the constant pressure and saturation of the digital world. This piece is a great fit for concerts on themes of self-discovery, growth, modern youth culture, technology, mental health, and resilience.

This piece was commissioned by Choral Canada for the 2026 National Youth Choir of Canada, conducted by Dr. Julia Davids, and premiered on the their tour of British Columbia in May 2026.

Note from the composer

Through the Noise is an honest reflection on what it feels like to be a young person in the world today: from navigating the challenges of growing up in a fast-moving, noisy, digital world to feeling a heavy, often unasked-for pressure to be the generation to "fix" things. Today’s youth feel the weight of it all. But day by day, they’re learning, growing, and finding themselves in all the noise. Bravely and together, they’re carving out their own space as they figure out who they are and work to shape a future they want to carry forward.

The concept and lyrics for Through the Noise are inspired by reflections shared by the 2026 National Youth Chorus of Canada choristers and the spoken word segments featured throughout this work are excerpted directly (or paraphrased, for brevity and continuity) from these submissions.

In this work, you’ll hear audio samples played through smartphones, symbolizing the constant pressure and saturation of the digital world. Meanwhile, the choir gives voice to human resilience and the collective power of breaking through the noise and learning to thrive alongside it.

— K.G.

Duration

5'35"

Year of composition

2026

Voicing(s)/ensemble

SSAATTBB with electronics and body percussion

Licensing

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