Compositions

Concerti & Orchestra

CONCERTO FOR BARITONE SAXOPHONE AND ORCHESTRA (2003)
The world’s first concerto for baritone saxophone and orchestra. Commissioned by Brad Hubbard and funded in part by the Composers Assistance Program of the American Music Center, the North Carolina Arts Council and the Southern Arts Federation. The first movement is forceful and aggressive, the second movement lyrical and the third movement surrealistically farcical. Written for regional orchestra (or college orchestra) and above. Premiered by Brad Hubbard and the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, John Gordon Ross, Director. Duration: 35:10
Available from VRMusic

Solo part and demo CD $20
Score, solo part and demo CD: $40
Full Ensemble Parts and CD: $100

movement I – with Brad Hubbard, soloist, with the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra.


VICISSITUDES (saxophone quartet and wind ensemble) (2003)
Premiered by the New Century Saxophone Quartet at Carnegie Hall, Vicissitudes is intended as a fun showstopper. Each member of the solo quartet is featured as the band goes through a number of styles, including blues and Cajun spice. Ensemble parts are written at a level appropriate for High School wind ensembles and above. Duration: 21:00
Available from VRMusic

Solo parts and demo CD $20
Score, solo part and demo CD: $30
Full Ensemble Parts: $90

Excerpt 1
Excerpt 2
Excerpt 3
Excerpt 4
CSUF saxophone quartet and wind ensemble


SQUEEZE (alto saxophone and band) (2001/04)
Commissioned by the University of Tennessee Wind Ensemble, Gary Sousa, Director, and Paul Haar soloist. Transcription funded in part by the Composers Assistance Program of the American Music Center. Featured at the 2004 NASA national conference.
Available from VRMusic

Solo part and demo CD $15
Score, solo part and demo CD: $25
Full Ensemble Parts: $90

Alan Durst, soloist, with the California State University Fresno Wind Orchestra. (15:34)


SQUEEZE (alto saxophone and orchestra 2,2,2,2 4,2,3,1 timp., 2 perc., strings) (1997)
An upbeat and driving piece, showcasing the agility, range and flexibility of the alto saxophone. A rousing piece sure to generate a standing ovation. Appropriate for college orchestras and above. Premiered by Robert Faub. Duration: 15:15.
Available from VRMusic

Solo part and demo CD $15
Score, solo part and demo CD: $30
Full Ensemble Parts: $90

Robert Faub, soloist, with the University of South Carolina Orchestra.(15:32)


SKY ON THE PLAIN (chamber orchestra) (1997)
Enquire for pricing and availability


HITCHCOCK WOODS (2,2,2,2 4,3,3,1 timp., 1 perc. strings) (1993)
Commissioned by the Etherredge Center Orchestra (Aiken, SC), Harry Jacobs, Director. This Copeland-inspired work takes the listener through a daily cycle in famed Hitchcock Woods, complete with mysterious spirits and gleeful play. Duration: 21:00
Available from VRMusic

Full Ensemble Parts: $90


ALESIMS (alto saxophone and string orchestra) (1987)
Enquire for pricing and availability


BLUE EYES (studio orchestra) (1984)
Waltz. For male vocals and studio orchestra.
Enquire for pricing and availability

COME TO ME NOW (studio orchestra) (1983)
For male vocals and studio orchestra.
Enquire for pricing and availability


Wind Ensemble

TRIUMPH (2006)
Commissioned by the North Georgia Directors’ Consortium in honor of Gary Wilkes. Triumph(grade 4/5) is an attempt to render in music the confusion, pain and anguish after Gary was struck by a drunk driver, followed by the courage, struggle and ultimate triumph of recovery. Included in this work are references to Gary’s favorite compositions, including Lobe den Herren and Come Thy Fount of Every Blessing. Duration: 6:12
Available from VRMusic

Full Ensemble Parts and Stereo vocal tracks: $60
Triumph recorded by the California State University Wind Orchestra. (6:18)


9-11: VOICES ECHO (2003)
For wind ensemble and recorded voices (gleaned from interviews with students shortly after 9-11). This work’s two movements, Attack and Aftermath, document reactions to the horror of 9-11 and the way we have attempted to glean meaning from that event. Vocal tracks available in stereo or quad (as a CD or Protools document). Duration: 22:52
Available from VRMusic

Full Ensemble Parts and Stereo vocal tracks: $120
Protools file (for quad playback) $15

Movement I: Attack (12:12)
Movement II: Aftermath.(10:38)
California State University Wind Symphony and Chorus with pre-recorded interviews with students shortly after 9-11.


SQUEEZE (alto sax and wind ensemble)
See “concertos” above


VICISSITUDES (saxophone quartet and wind ensemble)
See “concertos” above

 

Cantata

ASCENCION: AN ETHNO-HISTORICAL CANTATA (mezzo-soprano, piano, bullroarer, choir, soprano, cantor, recorded mission bells and projections/light effects). Book/text by Helene Joseph-Weil (2008)

Commissioned by Helene Joseph-Weil.Major funding provided by the American Music Center’s Composers Assistance Program, the American Composer’s Forum Subito Grant program, and CSUF creative activities grants. Inspired by Ascención Solórsano de Cervantes’ oral history taken down by Smithsonian ethnologist J. P. Harrington, this multi-media cantata honors the life of Ascención Solórsano de Cervantes (1854-1930), the last of the California Amah-Mutsun (San Juan) tribal band to retain complete linguistic and cultural fluency of her people. The cantata recounts myriad aspects of Amah-Mutsun cultural history: tribal creation stories, combined with pre-contact daily life, basketry and foods, segue into a lamentation for the enslavement and genocide of Ascención’s people under Spanish, Mexican, and American governments. Chants uncovered at Mission San Juan Batista incorporated, as is are first recordings of the famous Mission bells (house in the Tower made famous in the movie Vertigo!). Duration: 2 hours.
Scene II – Arrival
Scene V – Baskets
Scene VI – Thunders
Scene XIII – Final Journey
Find out more at www.ascencionproject.com


Flute Choir

OVER THE EDGE (picc., 4 C flutes, alto, bass, percussion) (1997)
Commissioned by the Flute Industry Council and the Blumenthal Foundation in honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Flute Association. Premiered in Chicago by the National Flute Choir, and the title track of the National Flute Choir’s premiere CD Over the Edge, as well as Uptown Flute’s CD A Flute Rennaissance. This sassy and seductive work has been performed by many of world’s top flute choirs. Duration: 9:55
Available from ALRY Publications (R-9)
featured as the title track of the National Flute Choir’s debut CD.


SERENADE (flute choir or flute quartet) (2005)
Commissioned for Flute Talk Editor and music publisher Victoria Jicha, this lush and slow work uses motifs from flute literature as its basis. Serenade was premiered by the National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir at the 33rd annual NFA convention. This work can seve as the first movement to Celebration. Duration: 3:38
Available from ALRY Publications
CELEBRATION (flute choir or flute quartet) (2005)
Commissioned for Flute Talk Editor and music publisher Victoria Jicha, this fast and lively piece will make you move. Celebration was premiered by the National Flute Association Professional Flute Choir at the 33rd annual NFA convention. This work can follow Serenade. Duration: 5:35
Available from ALRY Publications

 

Trumpet Choir

VOLUNTEER FANFARE (4 trumpets, bass trumpets and timpani) (1998/2003)
Commissioned by the University of Tennessee for performance at all future graduations, in celebration of the Music Department’s 50th anniversary. Featured at ITG. This work can be performed in three different lengths to accommodate any fanfare need. Rousing and full of energy. Duration: 3:16
Available from Eighth Note Publications (TE2388)
recorded by the University of Tennessee Trumpet Choir


HOLIDAY FANFARE (6 trumpets) (1998/2003)
Commissioned by the University of Tennessee Trumpet Ensemble, Cathy Leach, Director. Combines fragments and figures from several holiday songs, including Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Joy to the World, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Angels We Have Heard on High (with a mariachi feel!) and Away in a Manger.
Available from Eighth Note Publications (TE2381)


 

Chamber Music

Vocal (Ensemble)

LE PONT MIRABEAU (fl., cl., vln., vc., perc. and tenor voice) (1990)
This setting of Guillaume Apollinaire’s classic French poem has garnered recognition from the Olympia International Prize for Composition (Finalist), the National Association of Composers/USA Competition, (Second Prize), the Delius Composition Competition Prize (First Prize), the Boston University Malloy Miller Composition Competition (First Place), and the Austin Peay State University National Composition Competition (Second Prize). Duration: 14:25
Available from VRMusic

Score and parts: $30
Mark Harmon, vocalist.


Woodwind Quintet

PLAYING WITH FIRE (2008)
Commissioned by the CSUF President’s Quintet, Jose Diaz and Krista Riggs, Directors, with funding provided by a CSUF grant. This work is driving, with mixed meters and solos throughout the ensemble. Duration 5:01

Available from VRMusic

Score and parts: $30


Saxophone Quartets

ALLEY DANCE (1996)
Featured on the New Century Saxophone Quartet‘s Channel Classics (CCS 15498) CD Homegrown, Commissions Vol. I, this work is performed by numerous quartets in the USA and Europe. Called upon to perform delicate passages in addition to highly aggressive, jazz influenced music, this work showcases the saxophone quartet’s versatility as an ensemble and as individual soloists. The performers scoop notes, bend notes, growl, stretch the upward range of the saxophone and execute extremely wide leaps. Performed around the world by the New Century Saxophone Quartet. Duration: 8:20.
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo parts: $20
from their Channel Classics CD, Homegrown: Commissions, vol I


WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS (2000)
Featured on the New Century Saxophone Quartet‘s acclaimed Channel Crossings (CCS 14698) CD A New Century Christmas, the melody of this tune is treated as a theme and variations. First, the melody is set in a rather traditional hymn-like manner, then as a popular song ballad and finally with a dash of Cajun spice. Duration: 5:06.

Available from ALRY Publications (SX-23)


MY FAVORITE THINGS (2000)
Featured on the New Century Saxophone Quartet‘s acclaimed Channel Crossings (CCS 14698) CD A New Century Christmas, and performed across the US and Europe. This arrangement includes a swing feel, jazz licks, “outside” playing and optional improvisation. Duration: 5:06.
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo parts: $20


WE FOUR(THREE) KINGS (2000)
A Latin montuno groove. Featured on the New Century Saxophone Quartet‘s acclaimed Channel Crossings (CCS 14698) CD A New Century Christmas. Duration: 3:41.
Available from ALRY Publications (SX-22)


STAR SPANGLED BANNER (2006)

Semi-traditional arrangement of the U.S. National Anthem (use of extended harmony, etc.). Commissioned by Alan Durst. Duration: 2:00.
Available from VRMusic
Score and solo parts: $20


 

String Quartet

THE GOOD DOCTOR (1998) For String Quartet and narrator. Text by Danny Stiles. Duration: 9:00
Commissioned by the Lowcountry Heritage Society of Charleston, SC
Enquire for pricing and availability


EAST END SHALLOWS (1998)
For String Quartet and narrator, 1998. Text by George Steele. Duration: 8:00
Commissioned by the Lowcountry Heritage Society of Charleston, SC.
Enquire for pricing and availability


 

Jazz Combo (Enquire for pricing and availability)

BLACK TEARS (1990)
Metheny-like Ballad. For alto and soprano saxophone, piano, guitar, bass, drum set, percussion.


NIGHT (1987)
Modal. Two melody instruments and rhythm section.


YOUNG FOLKS (1986)
Jazz waltz. For trombone, tenor sax, alto sax and rhythm section.
.

HARLEM SUNSET (1991)
Soaring Ballad. For jazz quartet.


RUSH HOUR (1999)
Hardcore bebop. Appears on the CD Jazz at the Biltmore Estate Winery.


 

 Solo Works

Vocal

STAINED GLASS SPIRIT(2007)
A setting of the Nadine Alexis Weil poem, for mezzo soprano and piano. This hopeful work examines the beauty of possibility, as exemplified by a stained glass window in San francisco’s Grace Cathedral. Duration: 3:31
Available from VRMusic
Piano Vocal Score: $14.00


DREAM HEREAFTER (2004)
A setting of the Helene Joseph-Weil poem, for mezzo soprano and piano. Addresses the frailty of our existence in a harmonically eloquent and sensitive manner. Duration: 2:30
Available from VRMusic
Piano Vocal Score: $14.00


MUSIC FROM “CON MAN” (2000-)
Music from the musical adaptation of Herman Melville’s novel.
See Special Projects” below.


FIVE FUNNY SONGS (2006)
Settings of the humorous poetry of Ralph Katherman, for mezzo soprano and piano. Songs include Oh, Hell Dali! (commentary on the art of Dali); The Wonderful World of Birds (and their propensity to drop soil cars); Cupid’s Gentle Wound (the humor of love); With a Hank of Hair or Small Piece of Bone (science has never been so fun!) and Snow. Duration of the set: 15:00
Available from VRMusic
Piano Vocal Score: $30.00
I. Snow (0:58)
II. Cupid (2:09)
III. The Woman’s Boobs Were on Her Back (1:54)
IV. With a Hank of Hair or Small Piece of Bone (3:08)
V. The Wonderful World of Birds (2:09)
Randy Lacy, soloist, Natasha Kislenko, piano


MUSIC FROM “ASCENCION” (2006-2008)
Music from the canta based on the life of the last living full-blooded native American member of the Mutsun tribe.
See Cantata above.


 

Saxophone & Piano

PSYCHOTHERAPY: A SONATA FOR ALTO SAXOPHONE AND PIANO (alto saxophone and piano) (2000/04)
Commissioned by Clifford Leaman, with funding from the South Carolina Arts Commission and Furman University, this sonata’s four movements – Anger Management, Angle of Repose, Attitude and Vandermarking – give the saxophonist an opportunity to explore a wide variety of emotional shadings. Appearing on Clifford Leaman’s upcoming Equilibrium CD. Duration: 10:00
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo part: $25


HARLEM SUNSET (alto and piano; or two tenors and piano) (1991/2006)
This version commissioned by Steve Pollock as a duo with Branford Marsalis for his upcoming Alanna Records CD. This work has a Duke Ellingtonesque ballad feel. Optional areas for improvisation are included. This work received an Honorable Mention in the Billboard Magazine song contest in 1993. Duration:5:17
Available from VRMusic

Score and parts: $20


NOT TODAY (any saxophone with piano) (2006)
A re-working of the slow movement of COncerto for Baritone Saxophone and Orchestra. Duration:4:34
Available from VRMusic

Score and parts: $20


AMAZING GRACE (any saxophone with piano) (2006)
A Gospel setting of this familiar tune. Duration:4:02
Available from VRMusic

Score and parts: $20


Alto Saxophone & Guitar

JOROPO JAM (2007)
Commissioned by Alan Durst and Corey Whitehead for their Centaur Records CD, this work is based on a Columbian Joropo rhythm. It is fast and fun! Duration: 6:33
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo parts: $25


Alto Saxophone & Tuba or Trombone

JOROPO JAM (2007)
Commissioned by Alan Durst and Corey Whitehead for their Centaur Records CD, this work is based on a Columbian Joropo rhythm. It is fast and fun! Duration: 6:33
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo parts: $25


 

Soprano Saxophone & Piano

DRUNKEN BASTARDS #2 (2001)
Quirky and out. For soprano saxophone and piano. Co-composed with James Miley.
Appears on the Electronic Music Foundation CD (EMF CD 028), State of the Union, 2001. cdemusic link
Enquire for pricing and availability


Saxophone Solo

ELECTION YEAR (1994/2001)
A parody of political campaigns, Election Year attempts to render in music the mudslinging, sex scandals, debates, hyperbolic promises and behind-the-scenes maneuverings Americans have come to love and hate each election year. Featured on the Arizona University Recordings CD America’s Millennium Tribute to Adolphe Sax, Volume IV (AUR CD 3101). Awards from the Southeastern Composers composition competition and the National Association of Composers/USA composition competition. Performed across the globe some of the world’s leading saxophonists. Duration: 4:21
Available from Arizona University Recordings or Weiner Music.


REMEMBRANCE
Remembrance was written for a memorial service for the victims of the 9 – 11 tragedy. Duration: 2:30
Enquire for pricing and availability


Violin & Piano

THE SMOKE FILLED SALOON (1987)
This work has received awards and honors from the National Association of Composers/USA Composition Competition, Southeastern Composers League’s Composition Competition, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Grants to Young Composers (Finalist), and the International Society of Contemporary Music (ISCM) Composition Competition (Finalist). Performed on national tour by the Nevelson Duo. Duration: 8:21.
Available from VRMusic

Score and solo part: $20


 

Horn & Piano

GENESIS: A GEYER’S POEM (1987/90)
This work has received awards and honors from the National Young Composers Composition Competition, Austin Peay State University (First Prize); Southeastern Composers League’s Composition Prize (First Prize); the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Grants to Young Composers (Finalist). Duration: 8:33
Available from VRMusic

Score and Part: $20


Cello Solo

BUFFING THE GUT: A JAZZ ETUDE FOR SOLO CELLO (1995)
Commissioned by Buffi Jacobs, this work is featured on Elizabeth Morrow’s Centaur Records CD, Soliloquy: Contemporary Works for Unaccompanied Cello. < http://www.centaurrecords.com > A perfect encore piece. Edited by Robert Jesselson.Duration: 5:11

Available from Latham Music (VC-29)

View first page of score (pdf)


Flute Solo

RAFFLESIA (2002)
Featured on Teresa Beaman’s Bella Classics (BCL 202) CD, Flute Flora, this work received rave reviews at the 2003 NFA conference. The Rafflesia flower is one of the largest, and most interesting flowers in the world, and the work’s three movements, Malaysian Rain Forest, Pollination and Blossom Dance capture its essence. Duration: 7:26
Available from ALRY Publications (F-13)


TRIBUTE TO DEBUSSY’S SYRINX (1989/99)
First Prize winner in the ASCAP Grants to Young Composers competition, as well as the first prize winner in the Boston University Malloy Miller Composition Competition, this work appears on Nina Assimakopoulous’ Euterpe Recordings CD, Arcadian Murmers. Tribute was also required repertoire in the NFA graduate student performance competition. The work is in two movements, The Wood Nymph of Nonacris, based on Debussy’s Syrinx, and Pandemonium, which is highly rhythmic and driving. Duration: 9:05
Available from ALRY Publications (F-8)


Piano Solo

INSIDE ANTICS: I. Place Setting DJ; II. My Name is…; III. Glasses(2007)
Commissioned by Guy Livingston for his DON’T PANIC II CD world tour and premiered in Paris, October 4, 2007. In this work Place Setting DJ, the performer uses plates, glasses and eating utinsils using hip-hop DJ motions; My Name Is … uses the bottom of a drinking glass to render a musical spellings; and in Glasses, the performer uses drinking glasses much as a guitarist uses a bottle-neck slide. All these are playable by non pianists. Duration 3:00
Available from VRMusic
Score and Part: $15


Child’s Play (2007)
Based on the improvisations of a 4 and 2 year old. Movement I is “Superheroes”; Movement II is “You Go Ba-Ba.” These are groove oriented movements. Commissioned by Guy Livingston. Duration 2:00
Available from VRMusic
Score and Part: $15


How Composers Title Their Works: What Happens When Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, Hindemith and Schubert Hang out in a Bar (2007)
Ever wonder how composers come up with the title of their works? Or how they come up with ideas for their compositions? Here is one farcical scenario, using excerpts of works by these famous composers. With narratation. Duration: 0:60
Available from VRMusic
Score and Part: $1


 

Narrator & Tape

FOUNDING FATHERS (2007)For three narrators and pre-recorded track. Co-composed by Stefan Poetzsch. Duration 0:60
These quotations by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison and Benjamin Franklin outline what the Founding Fathers of the United States believed our country should aspire to be — which is vastly different from what we have become….
Available from VRMusic
Narration and accompanying CD : $15


NUMBERS (2007)
For two narrators and pre-recorded track. Co-composed by Nye Morton. Duration 0:60
Here are some numbers that effect our lives.
Available from VRMusic
Narration and accompanying CD : $15


BLACK AND BLUE (1996)
For narrator and tape of processed soprano saxophone. Duration: 10:00
Text by Kate Bullard Adams. Commissioned by the Lowcountry Heritage Society of Charleston, SC.
Enquire for pricing and availability


 

 

 Special Projects

Music for Film

DER SONDERLING (109 min)

Commissioned by the Stumm Film Musik Tage, Erlangen, Germany, to co-compose and perform (with Stefan Poetzsch) a soundtrack to this classic Karl Valantin film.


 

Works for Dance

ABSTRAKTE KONTAKTE (2003)
For processed saxophone and violin, with dancers.
Commissioned by the A*DeVantgarde Festival für Neue Musik, Munich.
Duration: 30:00
Enquire for pricing and availability


JENKS: A DANCE REMEMBERED (1996)
For dancers, solo clarinet and tape.
Commissioned by the Lowcountry Heritage Society of Charleston, SC. Premiered by Gerald Errante. Duration: 28:00
Enquire for pricing and availability


 

TransAtlantic Reed-String Project

As heard on the Transatlantic Reed – String Project‘s Bavarian National Radio produced
Capstone Records (CPS-8686) CD Ostwärts-Westwärts (Eastbound-Westbound) and The Bayerischer Rundfunk –
Studio Franken Session (upcoming)

Eastbound – Westbound
Ornette Melody
Big Man

and co-composed with Stefan Poetzsch:
Tribute to the Big Band
I Can’t Get Started
Ouz
I Wish I Could Remember
Our Line
Curious Positive
Movie Music
After the Fall
Almost Too Happy
Trail of Tears
New Beginning
Inner Jungle
Quest
Quest II
Minimal Meets Jazz
Peace After
Reed String Meeting I
Reed String Meeting II
Wind and Wood
I Can’t Get Started
In the Sun In Texas
Health Maintenance Organizations


 

ConMan: The Musical

Today’s the Day
Voyage Into Light
Dream Lover
Trust in Me
School of Hard Knocks
Ballad of the Unfortunate Man
Transcendental Tango
The Price of Vice
I Remember When
Cruisin’ to Cairo
Show Magic
Masquerade
A Star’s Exploding
Falling
Nightingale’s Lament
Invisible Women
Boys Will Be Boys
Voyage Into Night