New Work: Star Spangled Banner for Wind Band

This past fall, I wrote a new arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner, which was premiered in October by the University of Central Florida Wind Ensemble, conducted by Chung Park. Listen (and see the score) here.  The arrangement includes a few exciting harmonies and I hope you enjoy it!

A Thrill to Work with the NYSSMA New York All-State Wind Ensemble on Magnolia Star

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting a rehearsal of the NYSSMA New York All-State Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jared Chase.  The opener for their program was my Magnolia Star, and these young musicians sounded incredible! We spent about 45 minutes together, worked on some musical details, and I tried my best to answer all their great questions about music careers, improvisation, what inspired my work, and more. It was super fun, and the concert at Eastman Theater was equally thrilling.  These fantastic young musicians had the great honor of playing on Eastman Theater stage and looking out to a packed, beautiful hall.  It was a great honor for me as well, and I'm grateful!

Northshore Concert Band features Magnolia Star

I’m thrilled that the Northshore Concert Band, directed by Mallory Thompson, will perform Magnolia Star on their November 5, 2016 concert. The band recently featured my work on their blog – check it out here.

From the Sydney Opera House to the Steps of the U.S. Capitol

Magnolia Star (for wind band) was recently performed at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia by the Los Altos High School (CA) Festival Ensemble and by the U.S. Navy Band on the steps of the U.S. Capitol! It is a great honor to have my work included on these programs. Magnolia Star has been performed by a wide range of ensembles: high school, all-state, college, community, and professional. This past year it was performed by both the U.S. All-National High School Band and the Canadian National High School Honor Band.

New Recording of "An Hour of Hallowed Peace" for SATB Choir & Piano

An Hour of Hallowed Peace is now published by Augsburg Fortress Press! They have produced a wonderful recording of the piece - you can listen and view the music in this YouTube video:

Residency at University of Central Florida: Recap and Pictures

This past week, I had the privilege of visiting the University of Central Florida and working with the UCF Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Chung Park. The orchestra premiered two new pieces of mine - Vermont State Fair and Winter Song - on two concerts.

On Friday, February 20th, the orchestra presented an open rehearsal for an audience of several hundred people at St. Luke’s Church in Oviedo.  The first concert was held at St. Luke’s Church on Saturday, February 21st, and on February 22nd, the orchestra traveled to Leesburg, FL to present the program at Hawthorne at Leesburg.  Between all these events, about 2,000 people heard this brand new music! 

In addition to working with the orchestra, I had a great time meeting composition students at UCF and presenting a short talk featuring career tips for composers.

Here are a few pictures from the events:

Looking over the score to Vermont State Fair as the UCF Symphony presented an open rehearsal at St. Luke’s Church, Oviedo, FL. Image Compliments of Oviedo Photo Club

Giving a presentation to student composers titled “Composing as Your Career (or part of your career).” Photo by Chung Park.

Pre-concert lecture with conductor Chung Park at St. Luke’s Church, Oviedo, FL. Image Compliments of Oviedo Photo Club

Pre-concert lecture with conductor Chung Park at St. Luke’s Church, Oviedo, FL. Image Compliments of Oviedo Photo Club

Concert at St. Luke’s Church, Oviedo, FL. George Weremchuk, soprano saxophone premiered “Winter Song” with the UCF Symphony and conductor Chung Park. Image Compliments of Oviedo Photo Club

George Weremchuk, me, and Chung Park after the performance at Hawthorne at Leesburg in Leesburg, FL. Photo by Ashley Danyew.

Thanks so much to Chung Park and the UCF composition faculty for having me, and George Weremchuk and the students of the Symphony Orchestra for performing my music!

Saxophone Quartet No. 2 to be Recorded by the Iridium Saxophone Quartet on the Blue Griffin Label

Exciting news! My Saxophone Quartet No. 2: Chant will be recorded this coming May by the Iridium Saxophone Quartet.  The CD release is planned for Fall 2016 on the Blue Griffin Label.  Stay tuned!