Works

LARGE ENSEMBLE


	Clouds of Light 2023 Wind Ensemble Clouds of Light takes the audience on a cosmic odyssey inspired by the mesmerizing light that decorates the night sky, created by our view of the Milky Way Galaxy. Infused with elements reminiscent of a cinematic soundtrack, this piece provides a sonic metaphor for the cosmic dance of the universe. It is brought to life through intriguing percussion effects and grooves, woodwind ‘cloud’ textures, and thrilling rhythmic moments which bring a sense of weightlessness and adventure that pervades through the soundscape. These moments allow the listener to ascend into the luminous clouds and embark on an exciting journey, ultimately returning to Earth transformed.

2023

Wind Ensemble

Clouds of Light takes the audience on a cosmic odyssey inspired by the mesmerizing light that decorates the night sky, created by our view of the Milky Way Galaxy. Infused with elements reminiscent of a cinematic soundtrack, this piece provides a sonic metaphor for the cosmic dance of the universe. It is brought to life through intriguing percussion effects and grooves, woodwind ‘cloud’ textures, and thrilling rhythmic moments which bring a sense of weightlessness and adventure that pervades through the soundscape. These moments allow the listener to ascend into the luminous clouds and embark on an exciting journey, ultimately returning to Earth transformed.

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE


	Stories in the Stars 2023 Percussion Quintet Stories in the Stars is a compelling percussion quintet that invites the audience into an open field of imagination, gazing up at the majestic stars above. The inspiration for this piece emerged during an evening of stargazing amidst a meteor shower while improvising on a tongue drum. The piece uses much of what was played that night and captures the still yet energetic nature of the celestial event. With a wide sound spectrum throughout, each part plays unique melodies that are combined to intricately weave together creating a dynamic yet tranquil character. At the core of this unique ensemble are dazzling metal and glass instruments that sparkle like distant stars, adding a celestial brilliance to the sonic landscape. These, paired with the use of many special effects, help mimic the fragility and beauty of the shooting stars.Throughout the performance, the absence of a singular storyline allows the audience to immerse themselves fully in their own cosmic narratives. The tapestry of timbral colors, paired with the evocative special effects, allows listeners to imagine the stars from their own unique perspectives, creating an individual and personal connection to the Stories in the Stars.
	Tessellation 2024 Percussion Sextet Tessellation is a study on intricacy and seamless interlocking of patterns, much akin to the geometric transformations of a tessellation. The thematic structure of the piece is deeply intertwined with the concept of sound layering and repetitive loops. Each instrument functions as an individual entity, echoing autonomous layers that are built upon one another in the soundscape. The unique timbres of the different percussion instruments lend an otherworldly, mechanistic quality to the music, forging an auditory landscape that feels both strangely familiar and starkly alien. They harmoniously merge to form a unified pulsating organism of sound, much like a metallic alien machine that represents the whole. The various rhythmic motives of the piece act as ‘shapes’ in the musical tessellation. These are passed around, expanded, and contracted, interacting in unpredictable ways, generating a tapestry of sound that is constantly morphing yet perpetually grounded in the original motif. Through this, it takes the listener to a space where rhythm, timbre, and pattern intersect, constantly evolving yet always looping back onto itself.
	Vortex 2023 Timpani Quartet Vortex is an energetic quartet that delves into the vast array of sound possibilities of the timpani. It produces moments of chaos and unpredictability, emulating the nature of a vortex and pulling the listener deeper into its turbulent center. With both traditional techniques and innovative approaches, such as hand-playing and striking the sides of the drums, it creates a hypnotic blend of melodic and percussive sounds that further immerse the audience in the swirling vortex’s mystical core. These hand-played segments build to intense climaxes, showcasing the timpani’s versatility which is contrasted by subtler textures with soft mallets that create foreboding melodies between the players, conveying moments of stillness amidst the whirlwind. The choreography of the performers enhances the impact of the music, making it an equally engaging visual and musical depiction of a powerful vortex.

SOLO / DUET


	Erlkönig 2023 Voice & Marimba In this captivating adaptation of Franz Schubert’s timeless Lied, Erlkönig, the evocative fusion of marimba and voice brings forth a renewed dimension to the haunting narrative penned by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Originally conceived as a piano-accompanied song, this arrangement transforms the expressive piano part into a mesmerizing marimba accompaniment, preserving the technical brilliance and emotional depth of Schubert’s composition. The resounding, earthy tones of the marimba blend seamlessly with the human voice, enhancing the tale’s mystique and intensity. Set to the backdrop of a father-son horseback journey, the story unfolds as the young boy becomes the target of the enigmatic “Erlking,” a supernatural being intent on claiming his life. The demanding vocal line challenges the singer to portray multiple characters – the narrator, the frantic father, the innocent son, and the ethereal Erlking – each with distinct vocal colors and emotions. This, paired with the marimba’s dynamic capabilities, mirrors the ebb and flow of the chilling encounter, embracing the listeners in a gripping storytelling experience.

Erlkönig

2023

Voice & Marimba

In this captivating adaptation of Franz Schubert’s timeless Lied, Erlkönig, the evocative fusion of marimba and voice brings forth a renewed dimension to the haunting narrative penned by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Originally conceived as a piano-accompanied song, this arrangement transforms the expressive piano part into a mesmerizing marimba accompaniment, preserving the technical brilliance and emotional depth of Schubert’s composition. The resounding, earthy tones of the marimba blend seamlessly with the human voice, enhancing the tale’s mystique and intensity. Set to the backdrop of a father-son horseback journey, the story unfolds as the young boy becomes the target of the enigmatic “Erlking,” a supernatural being intent on claiming his life. The demanding vocal line challenges the singer to portray multiple characters – the narrator, the frantic father, the innocent son, and the ethereal Erlking – each with distinct vocal colors and emotions. This, paired with the marimba’s dynamic capabilities, mirrors the ebb and flow of the chilling encounter, embracing the listeners in a gripping storytelling experience.