This work is in three movements:

1. Firefoot and Ironclad - Volcano Snail (2’30”)
2. Lanky Serenade - Huntsman Spider (2’00”)
3. Gliding Giant - Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox (2’00”)

Duration: 6’30”

Commissioner: Natalie Groom (Website | YouTube)

Commissioned by Natalie Groom as part of the Neighbor Tones project, Freaks of Nature is a love letter to three endangered species. While a bit unnerving at first glance, each of these creatures have such unique and charming features. In Firefoot and Ironclad, the amazing Volcano Snail served as inspiration; a strong melody in the French horn sounds over burbling textures before giving way to a gentler section in which each instrument gets a chance to shine with the melody before returning to the playful burble of the opening. The Lanky Serenade inspired by the Huntsman Spider (which uses its vibrating body to attract mates!) features the clarinet in a crawling melody before a vibrant, lilting section uses the ensemble as one large instrument. Gliding Giant pays homage to the gentle nature of the massive mega bat (a frugivore named the Giant Golden-Crowned Flying Fox, which can grow to an impressive 60 inches)! Large flapping gestures, soaring melodies, ascending triplets, and a rocking lullaby section give way to a final climb before soaring dramatically downward. While this short work is approachable for most college players, even the most seasoned performers will have a fun challenge bringing these fantastic freaks to life!

Pricing

Full score, digital: $20

Per movement, digital: $10

PDF includes a full score (transposed and/or in C), as well as solo parts for each performer, formatted for page turns.

This work is in four movements:

1. Fire in the Wind (2’30”)
2. Lights in the Night (4’30”)
3. Unfurling Water (3’00”)
4. Electric Spinning (2’30”)

Duration: 12’30”

Commissioner: Natalie Groom (Website | YouTube)

Mute needed: Yes

Commissioned by Natalie Groom as part of the Neighbor Tones series, (UN)NATURAL was inspired by different weather phenomenon. Fire in the Wind was inspired by fire whirls (tornados of fire) and features ripping glissandi, percolating mixed meter patterns, and swirling lines. The second movement, Lights in the Night, was inspired by auroras; after a brief solo in the clarinet, the duo splits apart throughout, trading melody and accompaniment to create an expansive, dark, and sparkling texture before ending with another clarinet solo. The third movement, Unfurling Water, puts the French horn at the forefront of this tsunami-inspired movement. This section is formed as a single, ever-building wave—reaching a large point of tension before crashing down, spreading out once more, and evaporating entirely. Electric Spinning, inspired by sightings of mysterious “floating balls of lightning,” brings the duo back into close quarters—sharp, buzzing textures, ripping ascents, and dramatic shifts in register culminate in a final, triumphant punch. This showcase work is a fun challenge for advanced players looking to highlight expressive playing, tight ensemble work, and a wide array of colors and techniques.

Pricing**

Full score, digital: $30

Per movement, digital: $12

PDF includes a full score (transposed and/or in C), as well as solo parts for both performers, formatted for page turns.

**pre-orders available in July, delivery September 2024

This work is in three movements:

1. fall (4’15”)
2. feast (4’30”)
3. flourish (4’00”)

Duration: 12’45”

Commissioner: Calypsus Brass Quintet (Website)

Inspired by the concept of whale falls, near death explores the fascinating life of a whale’s body after death.

In fall, the great whale descends to the ocean floor with great weight, expressive moans, and expansive depth. feast sees the violent flurry of deep-ocean feeders gathering to devour and savor the rare treat. Not all is mourning and decay, however, as in flourish the listener sees how the whale ultimately fosters something new—creating a safe, stable, and sustaining harbor for decades of life still to come.

More information on this work will be made available in the coming months, but in the meantime you can check out the blogs written about this fascinating feat of nature and catch glimpses of the piece at the links below:

Death | Metal

Life near death

Pricing

Full score: $40

Per movement: $15

PDF includes full score and a set of individual parts, formatted for page turns. Alternate transpositions for trumpet available upon request.

This work is in four movements:

1. Domonique Dawes, Gymnastics (3’40”)
2. Gertrude Ederle, Swimming (3’20”)
3. Michelle Kwan, Figure Skating (3’30”)
4. Wilma Rudolph, Sprinting (3’30”)

Most ensemble configurations can be accommodated for no additional charge! Arrangements already available include:

1. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba (original)
3. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 3 trombone, 1 bass trombone
4. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 2 trombones, 1 euphonium, 1 tuba

Most ensemble configurations can be accommodated for no additional charge! Arrangements already available include:

1. Brass quintet (original)
2. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba
3. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 3 trombone, 1 bass trombone
4. 3 trumpets, 3 horns, 2 trombones, 1 euphonium, 1 tuba