Stallion
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I wrote this piece for the 2024 Aiken County Honor Band Clinic. When deciding what to write, I drew inspiration from the local area. Aiken is known for its association with horses, so I chose to showcase the different characteristics of these animals in my composition. While there are many “horse” related band pieces out there, they often have a Western theme. For “Stallion,” I aimed to capture the majestic galloping and playful nature of horses. Writing this piece was a lot of fun, and it was even more enjoyable to premiere it at the clinic!
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Limestone Fanfare
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When my good friend Spencer Nance asked me to conduct one of the bands for the Limestone Honor Band Clinic in 2023, I knew I wanted to write a piece for the occasion as well. In tossing around ideas in my head (and on the piano), I landed on a vibrant fanfare for young band... something that wouldn't be too difficult to put together in two days, but would also be fun to play. It allows for varied articulation, dynamics, and other musical elements, great for kicking off (or finishing) a concert. The premier was quite epic, as the "mega" band had about 140 students playing. Check it out and see if it's something you might enjoy with your ensemble.
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Down to the River
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I will never forget singing the choral arrangement of this tune in high school. We performed it at a local church, all starting outside the sanctuary and processing in slowly, eventually surrounding the audience there for the concert. It was a very moving experience for all. I've always wanted to do a setting of this tune and finally got around to writing one for concert band. This version is very programmatic, attempting to use band instruments to create the sounds and serenity of a flowing river. The tune itself goes through multiple settings, event developing some new themes along the way. We premiered this arrangement in November 2023 with what I called a "mega band" of 140 middle schoolers. It was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoy this setting of the classic folk song.
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Clarinets do need to use low "E" in this arrangement, so make sure to check out this register stretching video work down it.
The video on the left is clarinets only and the video on the right is full ensemble.
The video on the left is clarinets only and the video on the right is full ensemble.
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Adagio
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My Country, Tis' of Thee
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My Country, Tis' of Thee is an Americana classic. This arrangement/rhapsody takes the tune and imagines it in multiple contexts, written for the typical second to third year players. After a robust introduction, the melody is broken apart in variety of contexts, allowing woodwind and brass moments. The piece then culminates to a full ensemble tutti of the full tune, almost hymn-like. This piece would be a great addition to any concert and possible assemblies/performances honoring those who have served (Veterans Day, Memorial Day, etc).
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Folk Song Chorales
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This music is a set of warm-up chorales for concert band, offering variety when warming up one's band. Bach is the standard when it comes to chorales, and folk song chorales can add a new melodies and harmonies to the fundamentals taught during warm-up. In arranging these chorales, harmonies more idiomatic to the modern day concert band scoring are used, especially at the Grade II/III level. The folk songs included are Loch Lomond, The Parting Glass, Slumber My Darling, and Scarborough Fair.
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Flexible Instrumentation Pieces
So these are from my "Adaptable Quintet" series. They're basically flex-band-type tunes because they're all written SSATB.
The best part is that they're quintet prices and not band prices... so enjoy for only $5 or $6.
The best part is that they're quintet prices and not band prices... so enjoy for only $5 or $6.
