Music
Overture for Band – “Influences” – SZM019
for wind ensemble (2001).
Dur: 7:17
Instrumentation: 2Fl, 2Ob, 3Cl, BsCl, 2Alto, Tn, Bari, Bsn., 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 5
This piece was commissioned by Jeff Grogan, associate director of bands at Baylor University, and premiered by the Baylor University Symphonic Band in a concert on April 23, 2001. “Influence” – the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command; The power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. Who are the people in life that influence you? How do they affect you? Is their influence by design or coincidence? What do you take from the people around you, and what do you leave with them? This piece is about my influences. Having never studied composition in a formal setting, I had the great fortune of learning from the best source of all . . . those who have gone before me. Every time you listen to music you are changed. It is an experience that alters forever your understanding and appreciation of the universe around you. Who then are the composers that have changed my understanding and relationship with music? William Walton, Leonard Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Stephen Sondheim, John Adams, Aaron Copland . . to name a few. These are the people who made music in the 20th century. Their contributions to modern classical music have been well documented by historians and academics. These people made the music that made me want to make music. As I flip through the pages of this score I can clearly see their influence on my composition, as if we are all gathered around the table passing manuscript paper from hand to hand. The point of this is simple; we forever change the people whose lives we touch. Whether it is through music, theatre, friendship, or just a passing word in a hallway. Who are your influences . . . and who do you influence? Theoretically speaking . . . the piece is based on three main motives that occur in various forms throughout. A quick rhythmic motive heard in the opening sections, a constantly evolving dialogue between major and minor key relationships, and one melodic element, which can be heard in fragments throughout the composition, but is not heard in it’s entirety until the closing minutes of the work. The piece is loosely organized into four distinct sections. The first and last rely on velocity and rhythm, the second is a more calming cerebral setting, and the third section is a short interlude which serves as a transition into the final act. It is subtitled “an Overture for Band.” What is an overture? In this context I was thinking of the overture to a modern musical, which contains fragments and small sections of material from larger sections of the work as a whole. I think it’s clear how this inference ties into the previous discussion of influence and bringing together the best of many ideas from different sources.
| Full Score $25.00 | |
| Full Set $150.00 |
Interlude – SZM020
for trombone and percussion (2001).
Dur: 7:17
Instrumentation: Trombone and Assorted Percussion
Commissioned by Trombonist Cary Porter, and premiered on his senior recital at Baylor University in the spring of 2001. It utilizes the “everything and the kitchen sink” approach to percussion writing and features modern notation and performance techniques for the trombone.
| Full Set $25.00 |
Song of Sorrow – SZM021
(2001) – commissioned by Jeremy Mcbride for his senior recital at Baylor University.
Dur: 4:12
Instrumentation: Euphonium and Piano
Subtitled “an Aria for Euphonium.” This piece has a haunting melody that searches the world for a relief from its apparent sorrow. A cadenza like middle section contains what can only be a love song, a remembered tune from happier times . . . . .once recalled . . . then once again left behind. The piece closes with a return to the opening melancholy
| Full Set $15.00 |
Departure – SZM022
(2001) – for solo trombone and CD.
Dur: 8:00
Instrumentation: Trombone and Tape (CD)
This piece was commissioned by Kevin Chairizzio, professor of trombone at Liberty University. It utilizes a synthesized accompaniment on CD with some interesting ideas. This piece was premiered in the spring of 2002 at Baylor University, Ole’ Miss, and Arizona State University in a series of recitals by Mr. Chairizzio.
| Full Set $15.00 | |
| Extra CD $5.00 |
In the Bleak Mid-winter – SZM023 or GMM137
(2001)
Dur: 7:17
Instrumentation: 2Fl, Ob, 3Cl, Bs Cl, Alto, Ten, Bari, Bsn, 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Cym, Tri, Chimes, Bass Drums, Glock, Vibes, Mar.
This piece utilizes the haunting melody from the traditional hymn by Gustav Holst in a very modern and non-traditional setting. This piece was composed for, and is dedicated to Mr. Robert Hastings, director of bands at Klein Oak High School (retired) in Spring, Texas. This piece is available from the Grand Mesa Music Publishers or your local music retailer.
Purchase this title directly from Grand Mesa Music! (
www.grandmesamusic.com)
Pictures for the American People – SZM024
(2002)
I. War News
II. The Girl at the Mirror
III. Shuffleton’s Barbershop
IV. JFK
V. The Final Impossibility
Dur: 9:45
Instrumentation: 2Fl, Ob, 3Cl, Bs Cl, 2Alto, Ten, Bari, Bsn, 3Tpt, 4Hrn, 3Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Hit hat, Tamb, Cym, Tri, Gong, Chimes, Bass Drum, Glock, Vibes, Mar.
Norman Rockwell is an icon of American life and art. His works have inspired generations of Americans for the last century. The covers of the Saturday Evening Post captured a unique and highly acclaimed view of American life. The images seen in his paintings tell a story far greater than any one picture, they tell stories of life . . . . not life anywhere . . but here . . in America. Pictures for the American People is a work of 5 movements. Each movement is inspired by a painting of Norman Rockwell.
The piece was commissioned in the spring of 2002 by the senior class of the Dulles High School Band; Sugar Land, Texas, in honor of their band director; Mr. Bill Duggan for his years of service and inspiring teaching. Movement one is titled “War News” after the painting of the same name. This movement is intended to re-create a vintage radio news broadcast. This portion is relatively short (as the news blips were) and goes from one section of material to the next before wrapping up quickly. The second section is titled “Girl at the Mirror” after Rockwell’s famous portrait of a young girl sitting at the mirror. A magazine is open on her lap with the picture of an older model. The girl has carefully pinned her hair in an innocent attempt to re-create the models looks. The piece is one of a simple, innocent theme with an underscoring of longing for something you cannot yet have. The third movement is titled “Shuffleton’s Barbershop.” This painting depicts a closed barbershop at night. In the back you can peer through an open doorway to the brightly lit back section of the store. In the background you can see several gentlemen with fiddles, a clarinet, and a bass. This section of music captures the free-styling of a real American Hoedown. The fourth movement is titled “JFK” after the painters famous portrait of President Kennedy. This section has been scored for brass only. The music is both regal and tragic. There is a constant feeling of foreboding and sadness. The final movement is titled “The Final Impossibility.” This painting depicts the fist moon landing. For a generation of Americans this event represents the crowning achievement in human exploration. Although our generation has accepted the fact that man travels in space, this was a monumental and impossible task for a great many. The movement takes you from the launch, through the journey to the moon, to the landing, and back home again.
| Full Score $25.00 | |
| Full Set $150.00 |
The Haunted Palace – SZM025
(2002) for concert band
Dur: 4:10
Instrumentation: Fl, Ob, 2Cl, Bs Cl, Alto, Ten, Bari, Bsn, 2Tpt, Hrn, 2Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 4
This piece is based on a poem by Edgar Allen Poe of the same name. Many extended performance techniques are put into use during this piece including singing, chanting, stomping, improvisation, crystal glasses, etc. The piece projects images of a vast proud castle and kingdom, well kept and in the height of its splendor. It is suddenly consumed with confusion and fear as dark forces move in and a fierce battle ensues. This piece was commissioned by Barbara Streit for the 2002 Summer Band Camps at West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas. $60.00
Full Score $15.00
Full Set $60.00
| Full Score $15.00 | |
| Full Set $60.00 |
The Eternal Pursuit – SZM026
(2002) for concert band
Dur: 2:00
Instrumentation: Fl, Ob, 2Cl, Bs Cl, Alto, Ten, Bari, Bsn, 2Tpt, Hrn, 2Tbn, Euph, Tuba, Timp, Perc 1 - 4
This piece was commissioned by the First Colony Middle School Honors Band in commemoration of their performance at the 2002 MidWest International Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago, Illinios.
Purchase this title directly from the FJH Music Company! (
www.fjhmusic.com)