I think this kaleidoscope is broken. (2022) for wind ensemble | 8’, grade 6
Jagged edges - bursts of color - sharp contrasts … and all the while cracked, fragmented, and wildly off-kilter. This work explores the swirling symmetries of a kaleidoscope gone wrong. | To be performed by Dr. Ken Ozzello and The University of Alabama Wind Ensemble at the 2023 CBDNA National Conference | This work is available through Murphy Music Press - click here to purchase or view a perusal score
All Is Well (2022) for SSAATTBB chorus | 2’
This is a recomposition of the Sacred Harp hymn All Is Well, featuring a text adapted from the original by the composer. The piece opens with tuning pitches followed by the original source hymn, sung on the traditional four-syllable Sacred Harp solfège. This continues smoothly into the recomposed, texted version. Premiered by The University of Alabama’s University Singers, conducted by Dr. Amir Zaheri, 25 March 2022 (as seen in the video to the right)
Dancing Out of the Earth (2021) for wind ensemble | 11’30”, grade 6
Inspired by various creation myths, this piece muses on the vision of the world dancing up and out of a single clump of earth. Growth - building - increasing complexity … these coalesce at last in an ecstatic conclusion. Premiered by The University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Ken Ozzello, 21 September 2021 (as seen in the accompanying video). This work is available through Murphy Music Press - click here to purchase or view a perusal score
Riffs and Rancor (2020) for alto + tenor sax | 8’
A commission for the Zen Duo (Parker Fritz and Ben MacDonald). Written during the 2020 global pandemic shutdowns, this work is a cathartic breakthrough, beginning with a simple riff that is developed and transformed into a tour-de-force for two saxophones. Premiered by the Zen Duo at the University of Oklahoma in November 2020 (hear their performance in this score video prepared by Nick Gianopoulos)
reflections. (2019) for wind band | 7’30”, grade 4
Originally a work for unaccompanied chorus, the composer reimagined reflections. for wind band in 2019. The work is an extended chorale that muses on nostalgia and the idea of pining for a past that never was. World premiere given at Carnegie Hall in February 2020. (The score video here features a recording by The University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, Dr. Ken Ozzello conducting)