“A Pioneer’s Opus” was commissioned by University of South Carolina faculty members Jennifer Parker-Harley, flute, Michael Harley, bassoon, and Rebecca Nagel, oboe. It was premiered on April 10, 2018 at The University of South Carolina, Greenville and conducted by Tonya Mitchell-Spradin.

The work pays tribute to the legacy of Richard T. Greener, USC’s first African American Professor and the first black graduate of Harvard College. Funding was provided by a grant from the USC Provost’s Office and the USC School of Music, Taylor Harding, Dean. It is scored for Wind Quintet, String Quintet and Orator.