CHAMBER MUSIC

All Chamber Editions are at the Medium to Advanced level and are self-published. Click to see more information. 

FANFARE OF THE PRISMS (for 5 Bflat Trumpets • Med) 

  A prism is a triangular piece of glass with refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other and that separates white light into a spectrum of colors. It is this idea that is represented in this piece. The opening bars use single note fragments that, as it progresses, bursts into numerous antiphonal lines working together to create a musical tapestry. Written in ABA form, the first section builds to a bold theme that uses simple note progressions, yet not to simple to weaken the structure of the piece. This leads into the middle section of the piece witch introduces a new theme, but in a minor key. The piece finishes with the first melody, but in a new key to give it finality. The bold statements and lighter tones all come together to represent the idea of color and beauty. 

 

 

PARAGON (for 6 Bflat Trumpets • Adv ) 

*This piece was a WINNING COMPOSITION in the 2012 Alabama MEA Young Composers' Contest*
    Cloud Gate, in Chicago’s Millennium Park, is a 110-ton elliptical sculpture that, at various angles, reflects the skyline and the clouds. It possesses reflective powers unlike any other and has attracted tourists for many years.
    A bright and punchy fanfare starts the work that then goes into sweeping and tight harmonic lines. The work then goes into a slower section that uses call and responses to lead into a moving passage that portrays the view of the skyline. After building back momentum, the piece ends with luminous antiphonal motifs before giving way to the last bar! 

 

 

PLAY! (for 5 Bflat Trumpets • Med)    

         This piece was inspired by the sight of a hot-air balloon festival in which hundreds of balloons are released at the same time. While keeping a happy and energetic beat, this piece revolves, mostly, around a 7/8 dance theme, and a melody that is changed throughout the piece. A softer middle section is introduced featuring a solo, duet and great dynamic variations. The key is changed from E-flat to F concert while still playing the same melody as before, but with a hint of finality and cheer that will lead the audience to the ending! 

 

 

 

POSTCARDS FROM CHICAGO (for Solo Trumpet or Euphonium • Med) 

    The first of the three, “Joyride in a Public Taxi” is taken from my friend, Rob Grice, and I taking a whirling and rapid taxi ride to the McCormick Place building. In the crammed taxi were Rob, his mother and myself; all of us who felt that this ride would be the end of our life. Once we safely arrived, we agreed that a piece would have to be written to remember that eventful day.

    The second movement, “Night-lights”, is taken from the view of the Hilton Chicago in the middle of the night. The view from a high rise allows one to see miles across the skyline during the day, however, at night, the luminous specks from cars, building windows, and streetlights are, in my eyes, breathtaking and inspiring. It captivates the eyes of someone, and suspends the chaos of the city long enough to appreciate the marvelous sights.

    The last movement, “Skyward Ascent”, takes the listener on the minute-long elevator ride to the top of the Sears/Willis Tower. The rapidly climbing motif gives way to an expressive bold theme that symbolizes the arrival at floor 103! 

STATIC! (for SATB Sax Quartet • Adv) 

    The idea, as you can tell, is relevant to static electricity and its effects on nature. The piece is supposed to reflect these and show the electrifying spirit behind it. The first movement is an unusual fanfare to represent the chaos and lack of predictability when static electricity is used in an uncontrolled manner. The theme is propelled by the bass and tenor line in a staccato fashion. An interrupting theme is introduced that is used later in a different movement, but only stays around for a few measures before returning to the main theme.

    The middle movement, entitled “Plasma Ball”, represents a glass sphere with a controlled electrical current that reacts to contact with any form of heat. The reaction creates glowing ribbons that move in the direction of the given heat source. This image is supposed to be represented by a tango with a melody derivative of one introduced in the first movement.

    The third and final movement depicts a set of sudden lightning strikes with hard articulations, compelling rhythms and feel of contemporary dance. A slow opening section serves as the bridge between the second and third movement. The melody of the first movement is used to create a newer and much different theme to propel the final section, while still keeping relevance to the piece.

This combination of fanfare, tango and contemporary dance creates a suite of movements that capture the true image of this amazing element.