Sermon for Saints and Sinners is part of a multi-work exploration into my past. Somewhat like music therapy through composition. It chronicles a poignant period in my young life as I navigated through the 80's drug error and the effects it had on my stepfather and by association....my mother and me.

Other works in this grouping are Winter 1983 for symphony orchestra, Just Us for bassoon and piano, Blues for Buddy for string quartet, The World According to Aunt Shug for Horn and Trombone and Trail of Tears for horn and piano.

My Stepfather: Veryl “Farouk” Walker.  Farouk was the name he was given by his “teacher” who would visit our home to give ‘lessons” in the 70’s as he was “studying” the Muslim faith.   Farouk was charismatic, extremely muscular, tall and handsome, and had a bald head which added to his presence in an era (the 70's) when most African Americans sported afros.

He worked in an electronics factory in Queens, NY
He was an excellent paddle ball player.
He was abusive verbally and physically.