Winner of the 2012 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer award. An advanced-level original composition for 17-piece jazz ensemble. All reed parts are flute, clarinet, or bass clarinet– no saxophones. Trumpets utilize the warmth of 4 flugelhorns and there are many orchestration textures throughout. Harmony is modern and modal, featuring a gradually-building trombone solo that sends the piece into its climactic shout section. A lush, warm, challenging composition with lots of orchestral colors and sophisticated rhythms.

Debuted and recorded with the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2012.

Instrumentation:

5 reeds (1st and 2nd flute, 1st and 2nd clarinet, bass clarinet)

8 brass (4 trumpets/flugelhorns, 3 trombones, bass trombone)

Rhythm Section (guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drum set)

A Challenging Post-Bop composition which features tenor saxophone, the saxophone section with guitar on a gritty soli, and the whole band with lots of intense, high energy section playing. Channeling energy from Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and their contemporaries, this piece has a dark modal feel.

Debuted and recorded with the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2015.

Instrumentation:

Reed 1: Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute

Reed 2: Alto Saxophone, Flute

Reed 3: Tenor Saxophone (Solo)

Reed 4: Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Reed 5: Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone

10 brass (5 trumpets/flugelhorns, 3 trombones, 2 bass trombones)

Rhythm Section (vibraphone, guitar, piano, acoustic bass, drum set)

A fun and funky composition for jazz ensemble, playable by an advanced high school band or higher. The form is an adaptation of a minor blues, with some breakdown/buildup sections throughout the chart. The piece has a catchy melody and a fun overall energy while maintaining some sophisticated textures. Open for solos on any instrument.

5 reeds (1st and 2nd alto saxophone, 1st and 2nd tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone)

8 brass (4 trumpets, 3 trombones, bass trombone)

Rhythm Section (electric guitar, piano, electric bass, drum set)

From Aaron Hedenstrom’s 2014 release “A Moment of Clarity” on Shifting Paradigm Records, this is the original lead sheet that was used for the recording session.