Chamber/Small Ensemble Music

The Rise of Diocles

Grade 4-4.5

(4’30”) Percussion Quartet on Prepared Bass Drum and Mixed Percussion. Named after the famous Roman charioteer. Known as the most celebrated ancient athlete and (possibly) the highest-paid athlete of all time. This piece is a part of a series; refer to Wheels of Diocles as well. The piece includes the prepared Bass Drum (from Wheel of Diocles) and a Secondary instrument for each player.

Stink Face

Grade 3.5 – 2021

(4’12”) for Trombone Quartet. This composition is based in Bb Aeolian (natural minor) set up in a repeated pattern by the Bass Trombone. Once the groove is initiated the first, second, and third trombone fit into the piece as responses to the bass part. Scoops are played quickly starting a single note (diatonically) below the written note. Matching scoops and glissandi length/style will be a priority in the overall discussion. Rhythmic accuracy also needs great attention due to the fragmented melodies between rehearsal C and F.

Six of One

Grade 3 – 2021

(4’06”) for Trombone Quartet. The piece runs off a four note ostinato that changes tonality from F Phyrgian to F Mixolydian (at B) to F Locrian (at C) finishing with F Major. The opening should be played slightly connected by all four trombones, but a clear distinction between slurred and non-slurred notes (at B) should be enforced. Rehersal C will need to have weight plus a driving energy. The aleatoric section (at D) has given notes to use but the rhythmic and dynamic changes are at the discretion of the ensemble. Perform three to five times, each repetition should be different and prompted by a gesture indicating each sequence or the next meaure. Trombone 4 should have a Tenor Trombone (large bore) with an F attachment (trigger) or a Bass Trombone to maintain tone in the lower notes.

Wheels of Diocles

Grade 3 – 2021

(3’40”) Percussion Quartet for Prepared Bass Drum. Named after the famous Roman charioteer. Known as the most celebrated ancient athlete and (possibly) the highest-paid athlete of all time. To set up the instrument turn the drum parallel to the ground on the stand or lay the drum flat on the ground. Place a medium crash or china cymbal (or stack cymbals) in the center of the drum on top of a small towel. The players are standing equidistant around the drum playing on the rim, the drum head, and the cymbal. The piece’s tempo is flexible and can be performed 116bpm – 136bpm. Use standard snare drum sticks or pro mark lightning rods. Coordinate identical sticking when in unison. Additional creativity by performers is encouraged.

L’appel du Vide

Grade 4 – 2021

(5’19”) for Pierrot Ensemble. The composition is named after the “Call of the Void”, the feeling of momentary self-destruction in potentially dangerous places: the edge of a building roof, a bridge look-out, or moving towards oncoming traffic. The unnerving urge is confirmation of the urge to live and not a destructive one. This music is meant to play on the uneasy feeling we all encounter as well as the relief (in the final measures) we have from stepping back to safety.

Jump 20

Grade 2.5 – 2019

(2’21”) for any 6 non-pitched percussion. Can be played with traditional instruments or ANYTHING (pots/trashcans/buckets) you can hit and make a sound!

The Loon

Grade 3.5 – 2020 (rev.)

(4’28”) for Reed Quintet. This scherzo uses the Loon call and several extended techniques to imitate the water fowl’s behavior and environment.

*Available for Flute 1-2, Clarinet, Trumpet, Euphonium (Mixed Wind Quintet).

Stop Mark

Grade 2.5 – 2019

(2’10”) for any 6 non-pitched percussion. Can be played with traditional instruments or ANYTHING you can hit and make a sound!

Vigeland

Grade 4

(3’50”) Trombone Septet with 5 tenor and 2 basses. Named after Gustav Vigeland the Norwegian Sculptor whose works are heavily featured in the Frogner Park of Oslo. The 212 installation features human figures from normal everyday poses to bizarre and aggressive interactions. The sculptures are a depiction fascism and a Nazi mentality the creator was witness to. The piece uses the Dies Irae in asymmetric meters (primarily 7/8).  It is based around the aggressive nature of the statues and political interpretations of Gustav Vigeland’s artwork .  The B section is the adventurer exploring Frogner Park.  The conclusion revisits the hostile spirit and returns to finish with the Dies Irae.