Photo credit: David Teubner
I have been composing music for my school concert bands for over a decade and have studied composition with Dr. Heather Gilligan at Keene State College. My compositional style includes storytelling, motif, aleatoric improvisation, extended instrument techniques, and atmospheric use of percussion instruments. I strive to create pieces that are rich in expression and creativity yet easily accessible technically. My pieces can be performed with varied instrumentation and include optional and doubled parts. I accept commissions and am available as a guest conductor. I’d be happy to visit your rehearsal (in person locally or virtually) to discuss my pieces. Use the Contact page to start a dialogue!
Phrygid
For Concert Band
Grade Level 2
Composed in the D Phrygian mode and depicting a “frigid” winter landscape, this piece utilizes two main, catchy motives, flute and vibraphone solos, unique percussion instrumentation, and extended instrument techniques such as blowing through instruments and clicking keys. It is composed in arch form and ends quietly, giving it an exotic and novel flavor.
Piece for Concert Band
Grade Level 2.5
Download includes score with included Study Guide
Spring
Spring is an aleatoric piece using only a handful of pitches on each instrument, along with fun extended techniques beginners love, to create a soundscape that includes sunshine, bird songs, and a thunderstorm. Performers get to improvise rhythmically and texturally to contribute to a unique performance every time. The piece is designed so that you can rehearse young groups without needing to "stay together" much of the time, which means the students can play and have fun right away!
For Concert Band
Grade Level .5
Big Night
This piece is in honor of the Big Night(s) in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire. It is composed of seven short main themes and three ending options, but complete flexiblity of the order of the piece is given to the director and ensemble. Students are encouraged to "arrange" the piece by deciding which theme comes first, second, and so on, and which ending or endings will be used. Themes can be repeated multiple times, as can the endings. Students are encouraged to imagine the scene of the "Big Night" and to tell the story with the music.
For Concert Band
Grade Level .5