Introducing my newest song cycle, New England Folk Songs! In this cycle, I explore the New England seasons with texts penned by New England poets. Written for medium voice and piano, the cycle takes you through all four New England seasons through the lenses of 19th/early 20th century poets Louisa May Alcott, Emily Dickinson, and Sarah Orne Jewett. Read more about the work, see the score, and order online here.
Next Project: "Vermont State Fair" for Band
When I was a kid, my family spent nearly every Labor Day weekend in Rutland, VT, where my grandparents and several aunts, uncles, and cousins lived. It was the unofficial end of summer; afterwards, we would return to Connecticut and start the new school year. The highlight of Labor Day weekend in Rutland was always the Vermont State Fair, held just a short drive down the street from my grandparents' house. I have vivid memories of walking around the fairgrounds with my family and most exciting of all, sitting in the grandstand and watching the horse races. My grandfather loved betting on the horse races, and it was a tradition that was passed down to the whole family. It was exciting and fun - a true American scene. The fair also included games, rides, animals and all manner of fair food, including the famed french fries at Roxies.
The fair provides the perfect inspiration for a new band piece - a fun overture inspired by the horse racing, games, and atmosphere of the Vermont State Fair.
I am just beginning to sketch out some ideas now - stay tuned!
Image credit: Jack Delano [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
New Publications Available!
I'm pleased to share that three of my works recently accepted for publication are now available directly from the publishers: Augsburg Fortress, Colla Voce Music, and Keyboard Percussion Publications.
- Chorale Variations, commissioned by the percussion duo Escape X, is now available from Keyboard Percussion Publications here.
- Speaking Love, a Christmas Carol for SATB Choir and Piano is now available from Colla Voce Music here.
- Filled With His Voice, (SATB+piano+alto sax) commissioned by the Bethel College Concert Choir directed by Dr. William Eash, is now available in the St. Olaf Choral Series of Augsburg Fortress here.
Handbell Music Now Available!
I am excited to feature a new section of my website dedicated to music for handbell choirs! These new works are designed to be relatively easy for smaller handbell choirs (2-3 octaves). Currently, there are three pieces available on the handbell page:
Take a look at the scores and have a listen to the recordings! I will be posting more handbell selections soon so be sure to check back!
Book Recommendation - Bernstein by Joan Peyser
A couple of months ago, I was browsing the floor-to-ceiling stacks of used books at our local bookstore and stumbled across Bernstein: A Biography by Joan Peyser. I had actually been thinking about seeking out a biography of the renowned American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, so this was a perfect find! I just finished reading the book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Bernstein’s life and career. Like many famous artists, his story is enthralling, captivating, and powerful. Joan Peyser provides wonderful insight into all facets of Bernstein’s life and career, from his childhood through his many artistic triumphs. Many fascinating stories illuminate Bernstein’s genius, his drive, as well as his sheer celebrity. An excellent read on a truly remarkable musician. Here is a link to the book on Amazon.
Chorale Variations Coming Soon from Keyboard Percussion Publications
Some of you might remember hearing me talk about a new marimba duo commission and CD release last summer. Escape Ten, the fantastic percussion duo, asked me to write a piece for them in 2013 and I created the five-movement piece, “Chorale Variations.” Escape Ten has a new publication series with Keyboard Percussion Publications (aptly named the Escape Ten Publication Series) and they will be releasing my piece and several other works commissioned by the duo very soon!
I proofed the final draft of the piece just last week. To tide you over until the piece is available for purchase, here is a video of Escape Ten performing the first movement of "Chorale Variations."
Magnolia Star Video Recording from 2015 OBDA High School Select Band
Check out this new recording of Magnolia Star on YouTube - a live performance video of the 2015 Oahu (Hawaii) Band Directors Association High School Select Band conducted by Eugene Migliaro Corporon. February 15, 2015.
How Music Brings People Together: In Praise of Marching Band
High school marching band is a BIG deal many places, and it was a pretty big deal to my friends and I in high school. I played saxophone in our marching band all four years of high school, and even though my senior year was 13 years ago now (WHAT!?!), I can still remember the feeling of stepping onto the field of competition, under the bright lights, our parents and directors screaming and waving cowbells (ah, the blue and gold cowbells). It was magical. We took a great deal of pride in our performance, our collective work throughout the summer and fall culminating in a competition at a local high school each Saturday night. Marching band is a team sport. For some kids, sports are where they find their place. For others, it is music. And many band kids strive for excellence just as much as athletes do, practicing every day, working together, sharing struggles and triumphs, and ultimately building skills and relationships that will last a lifetime.
I have many vivid memories from marching band practices, football games, competitions, etc. But I think the one memory that comes up again and again is the feeling of pride that we shared as a group. It was camaraderie; it was teamwork. The music brought us together into one singular goal - excellence as a group. It was not about any one individual or section. When the band gave a great performance, we all knew it - we felt it. And when we gave a mediocre performance, we felt that, too. It wasn't a result of any one person - it was collective. We were a team.
I remember trying to play well, "roll step," and maintain straight lines in the heat of the annual Labor Day parade. That taught me about perseverance.
I remember trying to play in tune and keep feeling in my stiffening fingers on a particularly cold October night. That taught me about dedication.
I remember, as a senior, trying to set a good example for freshman - teaching them, including them, showing them how much pride we took in this. That taught me about leadership.
I remember when one of our band members got sick and passed away, and we tried to play "You'll Never Walk Alone" without crying. That taught me about loss.
Everything I learned through marching band I carry with me to this day. We represented our school, our band, ourselves, and that feeling of pride and team spirit runs deep. Sometimes marching bands get the short end of the stick - they are the brunt of jokes. But it is as serious as sports, as tight knit as any team, and as competitive as any game. I am thankful for marching band - every experience I had, every relationship I built, every skill I gained. Band kid for life!
Naxos Release! "Lauda" Recorded by Illinois State Wind Symphony
I'm very excited to announce the release of a new CD on the Naxos label, featuring my work "Lauda," recorded by the Illinois State University Wind Symphony! The CD features works by living composers, conducted by Daniel A. Belongia. Listen to and download the recording on iTunes and Naxos. The CD is also available from retailers.
New Video Recordings on YouTube!
Live concert recording of the University of North Texas Wind Symphony performing Magnolia Star:
Live concert recording of the Iowa State University Symphonic Band performing Goodnight, Goodnight:
Live concert recording of the Texas Tech Concert Band performing Adagietto: http://youtu.be/aM6jIk1YohE?t=25m49s