Music

Concerto for Wind Ensemble (2007)

Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Cmdr. Donald Schofield, conductor.

When Commander Don Schofield requested a new work to showcase the USAF Band of Mid-America's considerable skill, and to viscerally demonstrate their commitment to excellence as representatives of the United States Air Force (analogous to the way the USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron demonstrates precision and professionalism), I realized this was a perfect opportunity to explore the virtuosity of individual players and sections to a far greater degree than I am typically able.

From the outset, I decided against an outright depiction of flight (as is so common in band works written for USAF ensembles), and instead opted to create a work that requires, and celebrates, virtuosity. Initial discussions with Cdr. Schofield centered on a concerto grosso concept, and from this, the idea evolved into one of surrounding the audience with three groups of players, as if the concertino group had expanded to encompass the audience. These three antiphonal groups, along with the onstage ensemble, intentionally form the shape of a diamond, which, not coincidentally, is a core formation for the Thunderbirds. As a further analog, I've placed Trumpet 5 and Clarinet 5 in the back of the hall, serving as an 'inversion' of the ensemble onstage, which mirrors the role of the No. 5 pilot who spends the majority of the show flying inverted.

The music itself is based upon a five-note ascending scale-wise motive and a repeated chord progression (first introduced in the Vibraphone about 2'30Ó into the work). The rhythm of this chord progression (inspired by a fairly popular band these days) informs the rhythmic makeup of the remainder of the work. These elements constitute the core musical material for the entire work. The piece can loosely be said to be in ABACA form, or perhaps, since the contrasting sections are contrasts of character rather than theme, it should be labeled A A' A A'' A. Or maybe I should leave any attempt at analysis to the theorists.

Composing this work was extraordinarily rewarding, and I anticipate expanding the work by creating two more movements at some future date. Special thanks to Don Schofield for commissioning me, and for his strong interest in, and support of, new works for the wind ensemble.

Concerto for Wind Ensemble is a true one-on-a-part wind ensemble work. Exact instrumentation is listed here.

I anticipate creating two more movements at some point, though presently I have no concrete plans. If you are interested in commissioning one or both of these movements, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Orchestra

Band

Mixed