Give It To Me

I'm proud to announce the third release from Salamander Studios, Give It To Me. This is our first instrumental, and we're delighted to feature guest artist Jonathan Newman on this track. His solo in the 'B section' may well be the defining element of the work.

I also make an appearance on alto sax and ocarina, against my better judgment.

Loose Id for Brass Ensemble and Drumset

The phenomenal Austrian brass group, SoundInnBrass (warning: very out of date website), will be premiering my Loose Id for brass ensemble and drumset at the Midwest Clinic this December.

The group's instrumentation is 4 Trumpets, 2 Horns, 4 Trombones, Tuba, and Drumset/Percussion. I decided to make this version expressly for drumset, unlike the original brass quintet which used Timpani - I think it'll enhance the groove a little (i.e. 'rock harder').

I'm really looking forward to hearing this one - I heard the group in Austria last summer, and they're absolute pros. Their power floored me. So, if you're at Midwest this year, you MUST come to this concert. Saturday morning, Dec. 23rd, 9:30am. Grand Ballroom, Hilton Chicago.

Now that I've finished that one, I'm diving into the fourth (and final?) of my Parody Suite pieces. I'm fairly certain I already have the title, but more details on that later, once the piece coalesces.

VOTE

VOTE.

Some personal advice: if you have the option between a paper ballot and an electronic voting machine, choose the paper ballot. If you must use an electronic machine, check your vote very carefully (there should be a printed ballot on the side of the machine in most cases) - there are numerous reports (as in 2004) of the machine choosing a different candidate than the one you selected. Take your time, and verify that you actually voted for whom you think you voted for.

As I mentioned last night, if you encounter ANY problems with voting, don't hesitate to call one of these hotlines:
1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)

Problems with voting machines can also be reported by calling:
1-888-SAV-VOTE (1-888-728-8683)

The Orchestra: A User's Manual

Just came across this useful resource. It's basically an online orchestration textbook. I haven't explored it in depth yet, but it has a really cool feature you couldn't get in an ordinary textbook: video demonstrations. Just pick an instrument, and you'll see clips with members of the Philharmonia Orchestra (UK) talking about, and demonstrating their particular instrument. This is all part of the Philharmonia's parent website, the Sound Exchange. If you're a composer, check it out.

Also, if you're in the US, go vote tomorrow. Additionally, if you see any problems with voting machines, or anything at all that seems wrong or unjust, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE and report it. Problems with voting machines can also be reported by calling 1-888-SAV-VOTE (1-888-728-8683). After all the problems with voting machines, long lines, etc., in 2000 and 2004, do not let anyone or anything keep you from voting. You can learn more about what's going on here.