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)
Recorded by the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2012, From Above is a modern through-composed work which features Tenor Saxophone 1 in a climactic, emotional improvisation section. Orchestral colors include muted brass, flugelhorns, and extensive use of woodwind doubles. An emotionally engaging piece with a lot of firepower and high moments.
Instrumentation
Reed 1: Alto Saxophone, Flute
Reed 2: Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone
Reed 3 and 4: Tenor Saxophone
Reed 5: Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone
8 brass (4 trumpets/flugelhorns, 3 trombones, bass trombone)
Rhythm Section (guitar, electric 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)
A through-composed funk/hip-hop tune for large jazz ensemble. Challenging for all instruments. Debuted and recorded with the University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band on Lab 2013.
Instrumentation:
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)
10 brass version available (5 trumpets, 3 trombones, 2 bass trombones)