CONCERT BAND
Oracle
2022
concert band
Oracle was inspired by the culture and stories of ancient people who sought altered states of consciousness to find some meaning in the world. The piece depicts the progression of a vision, from the steps taken to induce an altered state of consciousness, through the dreamlike beginning of the vision to the darker, scarier latter half, and finally to the revelations realized after the vision is completed.
Recording by the Frost School of Music Wind Ensemble.
Starshine
2021
concert band
Starshine was inspired by the awe and apprehension I feel about outer space and all that it may contain. The piece tells the story of a lonely soul, portrayed by the solo bassoon line, trapped in a small spacecraft adrift in space, uncertain about where they are going, pondering the meaning of existence and why we are all here. Our friend then begins to encounter objects near and far in space, some beautiful and wondrous and others terrifying, until finally they come upon a planet and are forced to land. The planet is a lush, vibrant place, but has challenges of its own. The lost soul eventually repairs the spacecraft and is able to ignite the engines, desperately pushing away from the planet until they find themselves in space again. After the experience on the planet, our friend has found some answers and has realized that other questions must be left unanswered as they marvel at the beauty and mystery of the universe around them.
A rewrite is in progress.
ORCHESTRA
As an Iceberg on the Sea
2021
string orchestra
Semi-finalist for the 2023 American Prize. Written in response to the turbulent events of 2020, As an Iceberg on the Sea is inspired by the tumultuous times through which we are living, the damage humans are doing to the environment and to each other, and the underlying hope that someday we will make sense of all this and begin to move forward toward a better, brighter future. The music represents the uncertain, floating sensation of being adrift at sea, with new waves of information entering into the picture and leaving as mysteriously as they arrived. The piece features a yearning melody throughout, both representing the iceberg's desire to return to its previous resting place and the desire of humanity for a cleaner, healthier planet.
Recording by the Lamont School of Music Orchestra.
Resplendent Passage
2018/2023
orchestra
Resplendent Passage is an upbeat, ostinati-driven journey with soaring melodies inspired by various scenes of the sky. The piece is currently being revised. Recording is of original version.