Concert Band Releases
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Blinding Light
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Bandworld Top 100
Blinding Light was inspired by a dreary winter in northern New Jersey. Throughout the season, residents of the northeast faced daily challenges stemming from power outages, transportation issues, health problems and general inconvenience. It was a reminder that regardless of how fortunate many of us may be, ultimately we are at the mercy of mother nature. While driving one morning I felt compelled to come up with a soundscape that conjured images of breaking through the bitter cold and darkness. Blinding Light is meant to accomplish this with no subtlety (and a dash of whimsy).
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Enduring Strength
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Bandworld Top 100
Joseph Elliott Titterton was remarkable. With a heart large enough to match his stature, this kind, creative, and determined young man overcame physical setbacks (the result of a childhood stroke), to excel in life and touch the lives of many. He graduated from Whippany Park High School (NJ) as both an honor student and Eagle Scout and it was my pleasure to have shared music with him along the way. After completing a degree at Savannah College of Art and Design, getting his dream job in digital media, and buying his first house in South Carolina, a full and rich life lay ahead. Tragically, Joe was senselessly killed at the age of 24 in January 2018, only miles from his new home.
At his Eagle Scout ceremony, Joe spoke of the pain he had overcome to reach the summit of a particularly challenging hike. It was his hope that he would serve as a “good and hardworking example” to his peers. The form of this selection is based on his journey. As the piece develops the melodic lines build momentum and fight through more complex harmonies to eventually arrive at an apex. I hope this work is a worthy tribute to Joseph Titterton. May his family and friends inherit his enduring strength and find peace in the memory of his spirit.
At his Eagle Scout ceremony, Joe spoke of the pain he had overcome to reach the summit of a particularly challenging hike. It was his hope that he would serve as a “good and hardworking example” to his peers. The form of this selection is based on his journey. As the piece develops the melodic lines build momentum and fight through more complex harmonies to eventually arrive at an apex. I hope this work is a worthy tribute to Joseph Titterton. May his family and friends inherit his enduring strength and find peace in the memory of his spirit.
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Kaleidoscope Sky
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Kaleidoscope Sky is inspired by the world famous Great Reno Balloon Race which is held annually in Reno, Nevada. Since 1982 this event has drawn thousands of people to witness and participate in the awe inspiring scene of a sky full of passionate balloonists. This incredible three-day hot-air balloon event celebrates the “joy of flight.” This selection starts in a triumphant and celebratory fashion and continues to conjure images reminiscent of the wide variety of soaring colors on display at the race. Ultimately, the piece appropriately concludes with a suspenseful, yet graceful, run to the finish line.
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Swirling in the Light Bulbs
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Infectiously rhythmic and energizing, Swirling in the Light Bulbs is a refreshing addition to any concert program! Conjuring images of an electrical current through swirling melodic lines and irresistible grooves, this engaging selection explores the wonder of harnessed energy. “Swirling in the Light Bulbs” is inspired by former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins’s take on this often overlooked modern miracle. In his poem “August,” Collins writes “and time to offer some thanks to the electricity swirling in the light bulbs.” Allow audiences to be captivated as your ensemble generates a relentless pulse and builds exhilarating sonic momentum before a whimsically abrupt ending signals the band “powering off.”
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The Trident
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The Trident is the three-pronged spear of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. It is said that Poseidon, when angered, could use the object to wreak havoc by creating tsunamis, earthquakes and other disasters. In this selection, a powerful and haunting soundscape recreates this anger as a “three-pronged melody” acts as the mythological spear. A theme of “three” runs throughout the entire selection, beginning with a three note opening statement. In addition, the three main themes incorporate familiar melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic content creating a sense of cohesion. The theme of three is most evident in the section first heard at measure 25 where three strong themes occur simultaneously. Opportunities for discussion of compositional form and thematic recognition are available for students to explore in a selection that gives each section of the band a chance to play melodies while also being challenged rhythmically.
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Not So Silent Night
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This New Orleans style Christmas selection is sure to add some punch to any holiday program! Starting with a three note pickup reminiscent of the standard, Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and continuing with the Silent Night melody in the same New Orleans style is the perfect recipe to kick off a N'awlins yuletide. Then things really start swinging as a written clarinet solo and drum set player stretch the traditional concert ensemble. To drive the point home, the upper brass and woodwinds layer When the Saints Go Marching In to give the end of the chart an added lift!
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The Cycle
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Bandworld Top 100
Social anxiety is among the most common afflictions in our society. Adolescents as well as adults are regularly diagnosed and treated with an intent to “break the cycle” of social phobia. The Cycle was written to offer a sonic interpretation of this disorder with the hope that, through greater understanding, an open dialogue can be made available to youth who deal with this everyday; in some cases without even knowing others are in the same situation.
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Journey Imagined
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This fantastical trip includes three distinct themes (or sections) that specifically correlate with elements that any great expedition, imaginary or otherwise, should include: exhilaration, adventure, and drama. With Journey Imagined, I was most interested in creating a form that allowed for three distinct ideas that worked together within a common theme. Ultimately, I found inspiration in the form of daydream. The design of visiting multiple themes, in a relatively short amount of time, seemed to lend itself to the concept of a wandering mind, yearning for experiences beyond any one physical location.
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Many Moons
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Bandworld Top 100
All of us have experienced moments in our lives that create unforgettable images. These mental snapshots can often provide humor, comfort, or inspire us to new heights. Many Moons is inspired by such a moment (and ironically the experience was “many moons” ago). As a young adult, while traveling with, who are now, old friends I witnessed a New Mexico night sky for the very first time. We were so taken with the view, that we pulled our rental car to the side of the highway just to stand and stare skyward. The clarity and size of the stars redefined my understanding of our place in this vast universe. To my eye, I was staring at hundreds of little moons. In writing this piece, I wanted to capture this feeling of beauty, wonder, and humility.
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Quite the Kerfuffle
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Quite the Kerfuffle is raucous piece for concert band complete with driving melodic lines, ample percussion and reasonable chromatic challenges designed to encourage students to practice. Each part is designed to include at least one technical challenge that students will WANT to attack and master. A “kerfuffle” is a term used to desribe a commotion or fuss often caused by conflicting views on a subject. The form of the piece is designed to be argumentative in nature with opposing lines jarring back and forth. Students need an outlet to release energy and aggression in a constructive way and this a great opportunity to do just that!
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Future Releases
Broken Pieces
RWS Music Company 2022
Grade 3
Perhaps all human beings are damaged goods to one extent or another. Even those who seem to be strong on the surface have had experiences that chipped away at their soul or shattered their heart. Broken Pieces attempts to explore the fractured parts of ourselves. We may never be “whole” but sometimes our jagged edges fit with those of others. It’s through these bonds that we gain strength and find peace. The piece uses melodic fragments and percussion textures to symbolize this sense of brokenness. Early in the composition the melodies are only partially played by a soloist or section and are finished by others. LEGO pieces are used as a non-traditional "instrument" to symbolize the Broken Pieces. These should be swirled or rotated in hands or in soft container. When I hear this sound in my own home, I find comfort in knowing my children are near. It is this sense of comfort that I hope translates to the performing musicians and their listeners.
Christmas Groove
Hafabra Music
Grade 3
This funky groove-oriented holiday selection captures some of the world's most familiar Christmas carols and sets them in less traditional ways. Check out this fun "mash up" of Carol of the Bells, Hark the Herald Angels, Joy to the World and many more on your way to a groovin' holiday!