This piece captures the anticipation, arrival, and celebration of the holidays through the use of sacred and secular carols alike. The piece opens with a quiet setting of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," then continues with a colorful and energetic rendition of the "Ukrainian Bell Carol" before drawing to an exciting conclusion against a cacophony of ringing bells.
Published by Alfred Music
Performed at the 2013 Midwest Clinic, Grisham Middle School Honors Band.
Featuring an energetic, almost always ascending melodic line, this engaging piece provides ensembles with a great flourish for the opening or closing of a concert program.
A musical adventure sure to stir up images of some of nature's most majestic landscapes and mountain ranges! The journey begins with a majestic call and response theme divided among the sections, chasing after one another. Eventually, a lighter, yet driving theme appears, signifying the discovery of a breathtaking view at the summit. The piece takes off once again, building all the way to the end, hinting that the adventure continues, or perhaps begins, Beyond the Summit.
The pioneering spirit is captured in this original concert overture. The adventure begins as a subdued call of the unknown beckons, giving way to lyrical, triumphant melody accompanied by driving percussion. The piece transitions to a quiet, pastoral melody, reflecting the beauty of the open plains. The unknown horizon calls again and builds into a soaring statement of the opening theme, leading to an energetic conclusion.
Performed at the 2023 South Dakota Middle School All-State Band Festival.
Commissioned by the Platte-Geddes High School Band, Platte, South Dakota, Jeff Patzlaff, Director.
Beginning with echoes from the school’s alma mater, “Newman Loyalty,” Forever Loyal honors Newman High School’s 60-year history from dream to reality, and beyond. The main melody of the piece begins as a simple, reflective tune, but it soon begins to evolve, always building with confidence and excitement. The melody eventually finds its way “home” again, leading to a triumphant final melodic statement from the alma mater: “Newman High, loyal to thee, sing we now thy song of praise!”
Commissioned by the Newman High School Band, Mason City, Iowa, Mary Kate Hines, Director.
Brimming with excitement from the opening measures, this bold piece gives each section of the band opportunities to shine, while also challenging them to expand their playing ranges and their understanding of accidentals. The contrasting middle section of the piece also provides young players the opportunity to play with expressive phrasing and dynamics.
This piece will be published by Alfred Music in 2024.
Commissioned for the 2022 Rushmore Music Camp Cadet Band, Jeff Patzlaff, Director.
A sense of wonder, intrigue, and adventure are all captured in this unique setting of two traditional Wise Men carols. The journey begins with a reflective, somewhat mysterious minor arrangement of "What Star is This?," which eventually gives way to an exciting, driving setting of "We Three Kings." The piece builds to a climax with the majestic return of "What Star is This?" in its traditional major key.
Published by Alfred Music
Commissioned by the Wartburg College Concert Bands, in honor of Dr. Robert E. Lee, Director of Bands Emeritus.
Commissioned by the Wartburg College Summer Band Camp, Dr. Craig A. Hancock, Director.
From the bold chords of the opening statement to the lush, shifting harmonic progressions, this piece captures the grandeur of this South Dakota canyon's majestic mountains, and the winding waters of Spearfish Creek. A serene, lyrical theme emerges to depict the breathtaking views of the valleys from the mountain trails. A call of the opening theme builds across the ensemble, signaling a return to the trek, and leading the canyon adventure to an exciting close.
Published by Alfred Music
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice, Stanton's Sheet Music Five Star Feature
Teaching Music through Performance in Band, Volume 12
Commissioned in memory of Colton Johnson by Holly Prier Lloyd and the Emmetsburg High School Band, Emmetsburg, Iowa, Mary O'Connell, Director.
With the musical call of, "Land, ho!" echoing across the band, the tale of pirates, buried treasure, and battle is underway! Written in rondo form, a strong, driving pirate theme serves as the main theme throughout the piece, surrounding two contrasting sections: a serene treasure theme introduced by the woodwinds, and a "battle" across the band, featuring the percussion section.
Published by Alfred Music
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice
This musical setting of Psalm 111 (vs. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6) was written for a special Mass in the fall of 2013. It is written for solo voice and piano, with optional chorus, guitar, and bass.