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MEDIUM TO ADVANCED LEVEL
These pieces for more advanced ensembles are an embodiment of a desire to bring a love of music and music making to both musical and human themes that resonate off the page and into your heart. My hope is that performers and audience members will leave the experience moved and gratified as a person and as a music lover. I hope you enjoy!
AND THE FLOWERS FELL
GRADE 5
Commissioned by Thomas Richardson and the Collierville HS Wind Symphony, this is a tribute to the victims of hate crime; those that have fallen to hatred and bigotry in our society, and it is ultimately a reflection of the beauty and honor their memory demands and deserves. Twenty-five years after the murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming, I thought it was important to mark this dark milestone with something beautiful and emotional--a depiction of many layers of reality brought to the forefront of our existence each time such an act of violence is repeated. It is to them, the lost, the flowers.
Commissioned by Thomas Richardson and the Collierville HS Wind Symphony, this is a tribute to the victims of hate crime; those that have fallen to hatred and bigotry in our society, and it is ultimately a reflection of the beauty and honor their memory demands and deserves. Twenty-five years after the murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming, I thought it was important to mark this dark milestone with something beautiful and emotional--a depiction of many layers of reality brought to the forefront of our existence each time such an act of violence is repeated. It is to them, the lost, the flowers.
FANFARE FOR A BRIGHT NEW WORLD
GRADE 5-6
Dedicated to my friend, Dr. Sue Samuels, celebrating her appointment as Director of Bands at our Alma Mater, Furman University, the piece is a rhythmic, driving, bright dance of complex personalities and interactions with overarching broad themes that are uplifting and joyous. It's a challenge not for the faint of heart, but the energy is contagious and players will have a blast!
Dedicated to my friend, Dr. Sue Samuels, celebrating her appointment as Director of Bands at our Alma Mater, Furman University, the piece is a rhythmic, driving, bright dance of complex personalities and interactions with overarching broad themes that are uplifting and joyous. It's a challenge not for the faint of heart, but the energy is contagious and players will have a blast!
SHINING THROUGH
GRADE 4-5
“Shining Through” is a tribute to resilience and brilliance, to being a positive force in the world, and to finding a way to be the light in the darkness, wherever we find it. The work seeks to present a poignant melody in textures that represent longing for beauty. There are metallic references to light “shining through” while the main melody finds its way home through trials and episodes that represent a very determined, disciplined perseverance. Dedication to good and light and beauty is celebrated throughout, as we live to make sure the light is always “Shining Through.”
“Shining Through” is a tribute to resilience and brilliance, to being a positive force in the world, and to finding a way to be the light in the darkness, wherever we find it. The work seeks to present a poignant melody in textures that represent longing for beauty. There are metallic references to light “shining through” while the main melody finds its way home through trials and episodes that represent a very determined, disciplined perseverance. Dedication to good and light and beauty is celebrated throughout, as we live to make sure the light is always “Shining Through.”
PILLARS
Essay on a Legacy
GRADE 5
Pillars is a celebration of the long-term dedication, perseverance, and resilience needed to truly affect the lives of a community cross- generationally. With bold themes, intricate fragments, broad fanfares, and driving, forward, determined energy, it draws inspiration from the mentor figures in our lives; their strength, their joy, their longevity and determination that have resulted in many a storied legacy.
GRADE 5
Pillars is a celebration of the long-term dedication, perseverance, and resilience needed to truly affect the lives of a community cross- generationally. With bold themes, intricate fragments, broad fanfares, and driving, forward, determined energy, it draws inspiration from the mentor figures in our lives; their strength, their joy, their longevity and determination that have resulted in many a storied legacy.
WHAT JOY SHALL FILL MY HEART
GRADE 5
Commissioned by Aaron Gantt and the Lexington High School Wind Ensemble and dedicated to the composer’s mother, is based on a traditional Swedish melody set to an original text by Carl Boberg in 1885. Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home along the coast as a violent storm approached. Inspired by the rolling thunderstorm and calm thereafter, juxtaposed with the sound of distant church bells pealing, he wrote the poem “O Store Gud” (in English, “O Great God”). Once combined with the Swedish folk tune, his stanzas of awe and wonder gained popularity around the world, particularly following Stuart Hine’s 1953 translation to English, known as “How Great Thou Art.”
Commissioned by Aaron Gantt and the Lexington High School Wind Ensemble and dedicated to the composer’s mother, is based on a traditional Swedish melody set to an original text by Carl Boberg in 1885. Boberg, a Swedish editor and future politician, was walking home along the coast as a violent storm approached. Inspired by the rolling thunderstorm and calm thereafter, juxtaposed with the sound of distant church bells pealing, he wrote the poem “O Store Gud” (in English, “O Great God”). Once combined with the Swedish folk tune, his stanzas of awe and wonder gained popularity around the world, particularly following Stuart Hine’s 1953 translation to English, known as “How Great Thou Art.”
CATAMARAN!
GRADE 5-6
Dedicated to my friend, Sue Alexander, this is an energetic, wild ride with your hair most definitely in the wind. Soaring lines, frenetic rhythmic shifts, driving rhythms and joyful, relaxing yet exhilarating lyricism all make for an experience sure to have you feeling the water splashing all around you!!
Dedicated to my friend, Sue Alexander, this is an energetic, wild ride with your hair most definitely in the wind. Soaring lines, frenetic rhythmic shifts, driving rhythms and joyful, relaxing yet exhilarating lyricism all make for an experience sure to have you feeling the water splashing all around you!!
ONLY LIGHT, ONLY LOVE
GRADE 4-5
Based on the idea presented by Dr. Martin Luther King's words: Darkness cannot drive out Darkness. Only Light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred. Only Love can do that. Dedicated to my friend, Dr. Alfred Watkins for his inspiration and leadership in our profession.
Based on the idea presented by Dr. Martin Luther King's words: Darkness cannot drive out Darkness. Only Light can do that. Hatred cannot drive out hatred. Only Love can do that. Dedicated to my friend, Dr. Alfred Watkins for his inspiration and leadership in our profession.
FROM WHENCE THEY CAME
In Memoriam 1619
GRADE 6
Commissioned by the Wando HS Symphonic Band, Bobby Lambert and Lanie Radecke , Conductors, for their 2019 Midwest Performance, this is an impression of the 1619 enslavement of West African natives and the subsequent, resultant establishment of and growth of what became the Gullah culture within the Charleston area and deeply southeastern parts of the country. Instead of attempting to build an historical timeline, it paints a portrait that is more the sum of their experience along the way to Gullah.
GRADE 6
Commissioned by the Wando HS Symphonic Band, Bobby Lambert and Lanie Radecke , Conductors, for their 2019 Midwest Performance, this is an impression of the 1619 enslavement of West African natives and the subsequent, resultant establishment of and growth of what became the Gullah culture within the Charleston area and deeply southeastern parts of the country. Instead of attempting to build an historical timeline, it paints a portrait that is more the sum of their experience along the way to Gullah.
DANCES ON TRAMPOINES
GRADE 3-4
This playful work represents the ease with with which we can be taken back to our childhood, celebrating the boisterous movement experienced when one Dances on Trampolines! Enjoy the reckless abandon and fun-filled ups and downs as you dance on your trampolines!
The World is Lovely
Not Always
So Today
She Dances
On Trampolines
This will challenge players lyrically and rhythmically and give them lots of opportunities to shine! A fun piece!
This playful work represents the ease with with which we can be taken back to our childhood, celebrating the boisterous movement experienced when one Dances on Trampolines! Enjoy the reckless abandon and fun-filled ups and downs as you dance on your trampolines!
The World is Lovely
Not Always
So Today
She Dances
On Trampolines
This will challenge players lyrically and rhythmically and give them lots of opportunities to shine! A fun piece!
MANY A GLORIOUS MORNING HAVE I SEEN
GRADE 3-4
Inspired by Shakespeare Sonnet #33, this expressive, lush, lyrical work features rich harmonies, memorable melodies, and solo opportunities for flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, and alto saxophone.
Inspired by Shakespeare Sonnet #33, this expressive, lush, lyrical work features rich harmonies, memorable melodies, and solo opportunities for flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, and alto saxophone.
PIECES OF GLASS
GRADE 3-4
An Homage to and inspired by one of the greatest composers ever, Philip Glass, this is a dynamic work for young band that takes listeners on a journey through delicate staccato iterations, and sweeping lyrical passages, and powerful chordal punches.
An Homage to and inspired by one of the greatest composers ever, Philip Glass, this is a dynamic work for young band that takes listeners on a journey through delicate staccato iterations, and sweeping lyrical passages, and powerful chordal punches.
HYMNS, PRAYERS in a NEW WORLD
GRADE 5-6
Hymns, Prayers in a New World is a reflection of the inner struggles and conflicts of faith and reality in a modern world – a representation of the resilience of the human spirit amid faith-shaking experiences. Based on several familiar hymn tunes, it is a fantasy on these tunes and representations of prayers and faith within a modern context.
Hymns, Prayers in a New World is a reflection of the inner struggles and conflicts of faith and reality in a modern world – a representation of the resilience of the human spirit amid faith-shaking experiences. Based on several familiar hymn tunes, it is a fantasy on these tunes and representations of prayers and faith within a modern context.
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