Small Ensemble

Music for saxophones here

In the Beginning for flute, piano, percussion, spoken word, and lighting design

Written for Krisztina Der Noble's flute/light project
 

On this day for SATB saxophone quartet

Written for the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet. Winner of the 2017 American Composers Forum Showcase Award.

Falling Up for flute, Bb clarinet, violin, cello, percussion, and piano


“Up where the colors Blend into the sounds...”

Shel Silverstein, Falling Up


Falling Up is about upside-downness. Subverted tonal and rhythmic expectations connote the unexpected, and manipulations of range and contour imply a sensation of flight and in-air suspension. Colorful instrumentation suggests the whimsicality of the Shel Silverstein collection with which the piece shares its name.


Written for Catchfire Collective. 

Rosie the Riveter for Wind Quintet+Saxophone

Written for the Women’s Wind Ensemble, 2017  

Three Movements: “We Can Do It,” which borrows its name from the famous campaign slogan, is generated from gestures that are either active or decaying. The movement features many stark contrasts, and is meant to convey a mechanical sound.

“Can You Use an Electric Mixer? (If so, you can learn to use a drill)” is built off of the interplay of two motives, which represent, of course, a mixer, and a drill. The two energetic motives combine and interweave.

In Rosie’s song written by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, she earns a “Production E,” which was a ranking given during the war to companies that achieved “Excellence in Production” of wartime equipment. This movement borrows a short motive from the song as a backdrop for several improvised solos – the ultimate symbols of independence and self-sufficiency.

Purchase Score and Parts, and view Score Preview, on PayHip -->

Unbound for flute, clarinets (Bb doubling bass), trumpet, violin, piano, percussion

An Expedition to the Pole for clarinet, trombone, piano, percussion, violin, string bass

Written for the Norfolk Contemporary Ensemble

Freefall for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and 2 percussion

The Flying Machine for small wind ensemble

Two Halves of a Whole for flute, viola, and guitar