This semester has been a tough one. Amidst difficult classes, tough teachers, and more musical projects than I've ever attempted before, I have had almost no free time in the past few months. There are many things not to like about such a busy schedule, the thing that I do like more than anything is the number of composing opportunities that have come up! If you take a look at my previous post, you'll see my recent Youtube video, a slideshow presentation of a duet for violin and piano that I wrote in a couple weeks. It will be performed live in Hutchinson this May! Speaking of live performances, sometime in the next couple of days I'll be uploading the live recording of "Inner Unity" to Youtube as well.
But those are only two of the projects I've completed this semester. I also spent a couple of weeks writing a duet for marimba and piano, as part of an assignment for music theory. This was performed and recorded, and if I can find the time I may put a video together for that as well. I'm also in a counterpoint class studying the technique of J.S. Bach, and I composed two piano solos for that which have also found their way to Youtube. On top of all this, I've been working on a quintet for Cello, Horn in F, Bassoon, Soprano Saxophone, and Flute, and I'm drafting more ideas for my progressive metal composition, "Answers."
However, by far the most exciting project in my near future is the piece for symphonic wind band I've been asked to compose. Sometime next winter, the Symphonic Band at Concordia will be giving a concert specifically for student compositions. I am one of several students in the theory/composition program at Concordia who are writing music for this event, and I am so excited to be a part of it! Composing for wind band is quite a bit tougher than for orchestra. In the orchestra, there are a variety of ranges and colors to choose from amidst the strings and winds, and a workable number of instruments. The band is a bit more frustrating. As my professor Dr. Breedon said, you look out over a "massive sea" of wind instruments and wonder where to even start. There are so many instruments, and so many similar ranges, it's tough not to get a bit worried. Despite these difficulties, I feel I am up to the challenge, and I'm eager to get started. I'll keep you posted! So long for now, and thanks for reading!
