Original Works

Grade Level: 4.5 | AUDIO LINK
Captive was commissioned by the South Carolina Band Directors Association for the 2017 All-State Clinic Band.
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This piece took longer to write than just about anything else I’ve done in my career. I’ve written lots of pieces for (and about) others, but this is the first time I have bared my own feelings and emotions in a composition. Thus, “Captive” has a completely different vibe than anything I’ve ever written previously. In a way, I hope you don’t have a personal connection to this piece, because it means that you (or a loved one) suffer from similar issues.

This is the first original work I completed in the last full year, and I was starting to worry about ever being able to write again. The combination of burnout, personal stress, and many other elements I brought on myself resulted in a temporary disinterest in the things I used to enjoy.

At least I told myself it would only be temporary.

But after a period of some months, I started to realize I wasn’t feeling any better. I went weeks without sitting at my piano, and put off projects that have been on my writing “to-do” list because the thought of writing was literally nauseating and depressing.

My friends and family were always very uplifting and helpful, but this purgatory-esque feeling was almost unshakeable until I started to seek help. Depression is a powerful captor; it is unpredictable, it can annoyingly tease or it can eschew subtlety in embarrassing fashion. Even well into treatment for my relatively minor case, I still had great doubt about my abilities to do the creative work that that brought me such pleasure. It took me weeks to finally accept the commission opportunity that led to this work; until the day I started writing, I was convinced that it wasn’t ever going to be completed.

As the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, so this journey of a couple hundred measures began with a single motif. Child-like in its insistence, the seven-note passage (first heard completely at m. 36) serves as that joy and drive I used to have in writing. Despite never being totally absent, it has been held captive by self-doubt, depression, stress, and all the other nuisances that impede happiness (all of which are represented by the melodic fragment first heard so sweetly in m. 13, and in increasing agitation throughout the piece).

Breakthroughs happen in depression treatment, but too often they quickly retreat to the familiar dark feelings. Sometimes, long periods of static thoughts (represented at m. 130) replaced any highs or lows in my mind, which was almost worse. In time, I learned how to initiate, savor and prolong those high points so the depressed feelings were progressively rarer. Simply put, things get better.

I opted to end this composition with a snapshot on my current feelings; an expression of great joy and spirit, followed by a peaceful retreat into what are finally positive thoughts.

And I’ll gratefully keep writing.

Grade Level: 5.0 | AUDIO FILE | SCORE SAMPLE
Unpublished Composition – CONTACT ME to purchase

Firing On All Cylinders was composed for the Purdue University Wind Ensemble, and premiered at Carnegie Hall, NYC on March 29, 2016 under the direction of Jay S. Gephart. The Japanese premiere was presented by the Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble in December, 2016 under the direction of Ray E. Cramer.

Grade Level: 4.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Into The Sunset was commissioned by the Doherty High School Bands (Colorado Springs, CO, David Williams, Director) in honor of Principal Dennis Vigil and his 35 years of service to education. Mr. Vigil celebrated his retirement at the conclusion of the 2013-14 school year.

Mr. Williams approached me for this commission not long after learning of Mr. Vigil’s impending retirement. The idea was to create a work for the combined forces of the Doherty band program that would be performed as part of a concert of soundtrack music. The title of Into The Sunset comes from the movie cliché that frequently has the hero riding off at the conclusion of the film, which is a really suitable metaphor for the celebration of retirement. I made efforts to incorporate several cinematic elements into the music from a variety of scoring styles, particularly a strong “Western” influence in the second half of the work. Above all, the work is highly celebratory and positive… after all, when one travels off into the sunset, it is expected that many more exciting adventures await.

Grade Level: 4.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Minimalist Dances was commissioned by the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA), and premiered on January 19, 2013 by the IMEA High School Honor Band, directed by the composer.

Minimalist Dances was written as kind of a challenge for myself; I wanted to see how much musical interest could be generated from only a very small amount of source material.  The first section relies almost exclusively on syncopated rhythmic layering to create the texture (a bit of a nod to John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” and Terry Riley’s “In C”).  The middle dance utilizes a single accompanying rhythm with insistent melodies above very limited harmonies.  The final dance is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek reference to how “minimalist” pop music can be; the standard “50s Progression” in a minor key provides the entire harmonic basis for the finale of the work.  More than anything else, Minimalist Dances was written to provide an engaging playing and listening experience through musical textures more than melodies.

Minimalist Dances is dedicated to those outstanding musicians of the 2013 IMEA Honor Band who brought it to life.

Grade Level: 4.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

One With The Wind began with no story at all. There was a melodic fragment that had been in my head for a few days, and a couple of ideas on percussion scoring that I wanted to get on paper, but there was no real motivation behind the music. As you might expect, I made it about 20 seconds into an idea that ran out of steam, so I saved it and moved on to other projects.

A couple of years later, on the eve of my best friend’s wedding (which I was unfortunately not able to attend), I reflected on what a tremendous day this would be for the two of them, and tried to think of their emotions and activities leading up to the ceremony that would bind them forever. I began setting sketches down for a piece called “Scenes from a Joyous Occasion” (a horrible title, but it worked for a while), and while each section had vibrancy and life, there was no connective tissue between any of them. It was, in essence, a series of several 30-second mini-compositions without a point.

Whenever I get stuck as a writer, I do anything I can to find motivation to continue with the work. Sometimes I’ll take a walk, and a rhythm in the background might light a spark. Sometimes I sit down at my piano and play until I hear a melody come through three times, at which point I write it down and continue. In this case, I thought about my friend and what made him the person he was. As I saw it, he had three loves in the world: his future wife, music (he’s a great percussionist), and running. He had several marathons under his belt at the time of his wedding, and his escape from the stresses of work and wedding planning came on the running trails and streets of the city.

With the idea of running firmly entrenched, I returned to the work to create connective tissue between all the sketches, and found that material in the previously uninspired melodic fragment from years earlier; a simple, eight-note motif in the Lydian mode that runs throughout the composition. The earlier percussion ideas suddenly fit right in, especially the mallet lines. The running concept fell into place by virtue of relentless forward motion, overlaid with the kind of joy found only in the speed where you become one with the wind. I suddenly had the perfect title to go with this very personal composition.

Today, as I write these notes, my friend is still happily married, and still heavily involved in music. He has taken his band program to heights unimaginable just ten years ago. Ironically, his days of running are over; knee and ankle problems crept up on him recently, and no amount of therapy has proven effective to get him back into the sport. I find it difficult to accept that the aspect of his life that pulled this piece together is the one thing he can’t do anymore, but I hope this piece serves as an example of the joy one can experience from losing himself to the exhilaration of speed.

Grade Level: 4.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Pursuit follows an abstract story of an escaped convict on the run. The piece opens with a calm, unsuspecting atmosphere, suddenly interrupted when the ruse is discovered; the chase begins. The subject attempts to elude his pursuers, yet every effort fails when his trail is picked up. Despite expending tremendous energy to evade the authorities, the forces of justice retake the escapee, causing great exuberance among the pursuers… until a careless mistake allows the subject to break free and frantically flee into the night.

Grade Level: 4.0 | SCORE SAMPLE | AUDIO FILE
Unpublished Composition – CONTACT ME to purchase

The Parting Glass has been known in Irish and Scottish cultures for centuries, and was frequently sung at the conclusion of a night with good friends. As more and more people began to leave Ireland for the United States, however, the idea of “farewell” took on a whole new meaning. It was not uncommon to have an “American Wake” to celebrate the life of those who were leaving the country, because the situation was not unlike a funeral; friends and families were to be separated for the rest of their lives.

This setting follows the story of one such parting. The sadness of parting from one’s home is given sentimental treatment throughout; even when a celebratory reel is heard, the impending separation is unmistakably present. Eventually, the gathering drifts apart, and the final “Good night, and joy be with you all” sounds dryly as the scene retreats into the dark.

This is, without question, my very favorite Irish/Scottish folk song.

LYRICS

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This was a lot of fun for me to write, because it gave me a chance to tell a story based on conversations with my family.

My grandfather (Edward Conaway, Sr.) served in the United States Army during World War II, and I grew up listening to his stories from those experiences. The details were easily forgotten, but his love for our country was always apparent in his storytelling. Many of those evenings also included stories from my father (Edward R. Conaway, Jr.), who served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.

One area of agreement between their assessments of serving in the armed forces during wartime is that it is impossible for soldiers to remain 100% gung-ho all day, every day. Many times, the barracks became a place of refuge from staunch, military discipline. Card and dice games would often take place in the evening hours (sometimes involving a little cash on the side…), bunks would often be messy, and any semblance of decorum went out the window as soon as the officers left. Of course, the soldiers would snap right back to attention when they were called to duty, and discipline would be instantly restored when the time came for inspection… but when the officers left, life in the barracks returned to normal as the soldiers began their mental preparations for the unexpected activities of the next day.

At Ease is dedicated to my grandfather, who always knew that there was a necessary balance between work and fun, and who worked hard to make sure “fun” could happen. He, along with his loving wife Nell, raised his four children to understand and believe that. Nothing shows this attitude more than the picture on the cover of the published set; a shot of my grandfather in a trench, wearing his helmet, leaning his rifle across his lap, all while reading the local paper sent from home.

Grade Level: 3.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Commissioned by the Barr-Reeve, Loogootee, Mitchell, North Daviess, North Knox, Shoals, and South Knox High School Bands in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Festival of Bands.

I was recently honored to conduct and compose for the Festival of Bands in southwest Indiana. This consortium of seven high schools has been gathering for 25 years to share their musical gifts with each other in a massed band setting. The commission was no doubt going to be a celebratory work, so I decided to write festive themes. When all was done, I had everything except a title that fit the piece, so I put it on the students of these schools to name “their” piece. After discussion, it was determined that the new piece reminded them of knights, castles, and medieval festivals, and the name Dance of Chivalry rose to the top.

I always appreciate it when students are more creative than I am, because in this case, they definitely got it right. Their title fits the piece well, and I am grateful to them for coming up with it and for presenting the first performance of this work!

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Many elements of my background point to having a fascination with machinery and the many sounds available there. I grew up near Detroit and was never far away from the huge manufacturing centers of the auto industry. I currently work at a university renowned for its engineering programs, and mechanical studies are undertaken by hundreds of our students. Plus, as a composer frequently taken by minimalist influences, there is almost a calming effect in hearing the interplay of so many contrasting rhythms and timbres; I am as fascinated with rhythmic textures as I am with melody!

This particular piece is not based on my experience with any particular workplace, but rather a general set of rhythms and sounds to create a machine-like effect. I hope you enjoy this work; it was a great deal of fun to write!

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This poignant setting of variations on the Doxology was composed in memory of a junior high school trumpet player whose life ended abruptly in a tragic car accident. The melody is given reverential, celebratory and celestial treatment to reflect her exuberant character.

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Invocation and African Dance is a contemporary take on the ancient African dance once known as “Atamga” (“Great Oath”), and which is now known as Agbekor. The dance is still performance by the Ewe people of Ghana; while performed now for primarily cultural festivals, “Atamga” was actually a war dance. The oath in question was taken by the ancients before battle. The rhythms used in this piece all derive from the African “standard” drumming rhythm (most frequently heard from the agogo bells, but performed by all players at some point in the composition). Once the dance portion begins, the rhythmic feel frequently shifts from duple to triple, and often layers two or three different rhythmic grooves to create a dynamic sound presentation. A brief return to the oath leads into one final full ensemble statement of the “standard” rhythm before coming to a powerful conclusion.

Invocation and African Dance was premiered on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 by the West Lafayette (IN) Junior High School 8th Grade Band.

Grade Level: 3.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

On the Banks was commissioned by the Fountain/Warren Bi-County Honor Band to help celebrate 30 years of musical collaboration. The schools gave me a fair amount of latitude on the project, with really only two requests. First, the piece needed to be celebratory and uplifting. In addition, they wanted it to somehow relate to the Wabash River, which forms the border between the two counties.

The Wabash river is perhaps the most significant geographical feature of the state, and has inspired a great deal of culture throughout Indiana. In particular, two musical works (“On the Banks of the Wabash” and “Back Home Again in Indiana”) prominently feature the visual of “moonlight on the Wabash.” The opening statement of this work reflects that serenity and nostalgia.

I elected then to briefly portray the conflicts that have taken place along the river. While none of the communities in these counties hosted such a conflict, residents were certainly caught up in the Battle of Tippecanoe just to the northeast. Not wanting to dwell on this too much, I moved to a much more uplifting style, entirely based on the melody from the opening serene section, transforming rhythms from the conflict section.

Throughout the piece, brief quotations from the aforementioned selections are interspersed to give an stronger tie to the Indiana heritage that is so proudly cherished by the communities along our river. Having lived in Indiana now for half my life, and within walking distance of the Wabash River for fourteen years, I’m was a great honor to have been given the opportunity to write on this topic.

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Much to the chagrin of my editors, I am a chronic procrastinator. Unfortunately, I (probably like all of you) have been stung from time to time when I stall too long, and face a deadline with almost no chance of completion. Given that the jolly man in the red suit has historically faced an annual (and fairly important) deadline, I wanted to see what would happen if Santa were a lot like me. While the stress and panic ended up being pretty similar to what I experience on deadline, I have to say that the big guy has a much better soundtrack.

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

The traditional Christmas carol “O Christmas Tree” originated in the 16th century folk song “Ach Tannenbaum,” which received modern lyrics in the 19th century as “O Tannenbaum.” The theme has been used in a variety of settings both holiday-oriented and not. It is notably the melody of “Maryland, My Maryland,” their official state song.

This setting shifts it from the typically stately presentation into an energetic, dynamic fanfare. Shifting meters, contemporary harmonies, and driving percussion all contribute to this modern take on an old, familiar piece for this season.

Grade Level: 3.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

The piece revolves around the rivers of the underworld in Greek mythology, the rivers separating the land of the living from the afterlife. The most famous of these is the River Styx, typically represented alongside the ferryman Charon, who would accept payment in return for carrying the souls of the recently deceased across the dark waters.

The River Styx is seen through the eyes of a living outside observer, much like Dante in the Divine Comedy. The shock of the first vision of the underworld quickly transitions to dispassionate observation of the bleak surroundings (mm. 1-20). Eventually, the observer comes across the ferryman, who demands payment to go further. Upon paying this toll, the dark river cruise begins (mm. 21-46). The speed of the river is such that only fleeting glimpses of the afterlife can be seen, but those few are terrifying to the observer. Brief musical interjections of the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) theme can be heard as the ferry continues its journey down the river (mm. 55-63). Upon reaching the far foggy banks, the observer comes across a small group of repentant souls who offer up a prayer of salvation (mm. 71-85), but it is too little too late; the fog lifts, and the observer faces Hades in shocking clarity (mm. 87-102). The gates open, the souls enter their eternal rest, and the observer continues to witness the entire scene until the gates abruptly close (mm. 103-111).

Grade Level: 2.0 | AUDIO LINK
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

At Peace provides bands of all levels an opportunity to show off their sensitive side. There was no specific prompt to this composition, and it doesn’t portray anything specific. For whatever it’s worth, it’s the first piece of music I wrote after I completed my Grade 4 work Captive. I’m sure the serene nature of this piece is somehow subliminally connected to the turmoil of that much deeper and darker work.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Celebrate The Season takes the musical elements of the traditional holiday carol “Joy To The World” and presents them in several different rhythms to create a dynamic fanfare. After an intensely building introduction, we first hear the familiar melody presented by the woodwind ensemble, triumphantly continued by the full ensemble at “Let every heart / Prepare Him room.” Some unexpected harmonies help propel the music through another brief verse, bringing this setting to a powerful conclusion.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Holiday cheer takes a time-out in this humorous tale of conflicting Christmas carolers. The spirit of the season rapidly deteriorates when three factions of a caroling group fail to agree on which song to share with their audience, resulting in a series of interruptions, interjections, and intrusions. The situation escalates into a heated argument during which resolution seems impossible… into the quiet basses save the day by suggesting a song that everyone can live with. Conveniently, each faction can share their song simultaneously, creating a wonderful holiday experience for the carolers (and hopefully the audience!).

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This charming dance represents the Christmas Day after-party for the hardworking elves in Santa’s workshop. It starts out very soft and grows more festive as more and more elves arrive. Even the “big man in red” drops in to join in the festivities, as shown by quotes from “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and “Up on the Housetop.”

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA
An unsung hero is one whose good deeds are rarely acknowledged or rewarded. There is a tremendous amount of music written for those whose brave actions have earned global acclaim and praise, but I wanted to give a musical “thank you” to those who work behind the scenes to make our communities better places to live. This might be the anonymous donor who funds a shelter for the homeless, the volunteer who works with disadvantaged youth, the parent who comes to the rescue on a band trip, or the friend who provides a shoulder to cry on when it is needed the most. Please think of those unsung heroes in your life as you listen to this work, and give them the heartfelt “thank you” they so richly deserve when you see them next.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

The spark for this work came in February of 2013 as the near-Earth asteroid “367943 Duende” passed close to Earth. Its close passage (which was closer than many satellites in orbit) established a record for a known object of its size; this is remarkable considering that NASA estimates that there are over one million near-Earth asteroids of that approximate size. This close approach caused some mild alarm in the media, which was not assisted in any way by the completely coincidental entry of another asteroid above Russia a mere 16 hours before the predicted fly-by of Duende.

The composition begins with atmospheric sounds and solo statements to introduce the asteroid’s simple theme. The addition of rhythmic layers above that theme indicate the increasing clutter of satellites that come within close proximity to the asteroid. The nearest pass to Earth is represented by close harmony and dynamic extremes until it becomes clear that there is no threat to our planet as the asteroid continues in its own orbit and retreats out of our awareness.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This song is one of the very few pieces I’ve written without the intention of representing any kind of story, either abstract or direct. I simply had a song I wanted to write, and I wanted to make it simple and beautiful. In the past, whenever I’ve written pieces without any set programmatic ideas in place, they’ve turned out to be rather simplistic, and I usually discard them rather than trying to make them into something beyond the ink. In this case, however, the simplicity turned out to be far more effective than any specific story I could have told. The song could represent a farewell to a loved one, or a lullaby to a newborn child; a parting between two good friends, or their happy reunion after years apart; a song of quiet love, or a song of quiet regret. This little song will mean something different to all who hear it, but in all cases, one common thread remains – the melodies, countermelodies, and harmonies can evoke a range of emotions that tug at the heartstrings of those who play and hear them.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Adamant. Immovable. Unrelenting. When a person or group is described as implacable, they are an unchangeable or unstoppable force. This processional march portrays such a force in action, first heard distantly, then approaching with bleak, menacing, and ultimately overwhelming power.

Grade Level: 2.0 (No Score or Audio available)

Maya’s Song was written in memory of a young musician whose passing was unexpected and heartbreaking.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA
Commissioned by the Madison County (IN) Middle School Honor Band

Prelude on a German Hymnsong is based on the 17th century chorale “Lasst Uns Erfreuen.” The best-known English setting of this beautiful song was put together in the early 20th century by William Draper, becoming known as “All Creatures of our God and King.” For text, Draper used a roughly translated version of “Canticle of the Sun,” written by Saint Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. This hymn has received many treatments over the centuries, most notably by Ralph Vaughan Williams, whose choral setting is the most widely-performed today.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This piece goes back to my overactive childhood imagination and obsession with dinosaurs. While the music doesn’t follow any specific script, I tried to paint visions of vast, untouched forests and landscape, huge creatures retreating before the overwhelming forces of nature, roars of fear and frustration masked by the deafening thunder… a nightmarish scenario for animals who couldn’t possibly have understood the destructive power of such storms until they were in the middle of one. A brief period of calm interrupts the onslaught of rain and lightning, but soon the storm regains strength and continues to drive the denizens of the vast prehistoric land to shelter and dubious safety.

Primeval Stormfront was written for and dedicated to the outstanding students of the West Lafayette (IN) Junior High School 7th Grade Band.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

I’ve planned on writing music based on sea chanteys for a while, but until this piece, I wasn’t certain what the best vehicle would be to connect those pieces. I found my answer in the saxophone section. Perhaps no band composer has championed the versatility of the saxophone family as much as Percy Grainger, who spoke glowingly of the entire range of instruments that mirror the range of the human voice. What better section to provide the melodic statements of these folk songs than the saxophones, which more so than any other instrument family were designed to represent the human voice?

This short setting highlights four well-known sea songs: Blow The Man Down, The Drunken Sailor, A-Roving, and Hornpipe.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This composition was written on September 29, 2008, a day when the stock market took a historic 778-point plunge. At the time, it was the largest single-day point drop in the history of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The number “778” stuck with me, as I am a numbers-driven person, and the composition is largely constructed using that number as a rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic foundation. For example, the most common rhythmic motif consists of two sets of seven 8th notes, followed by eight 8th notes. The melodic line at m. 25 (and introduced earlier) utilizes scale degrees 7 and 8 (1) in C natural minor.

The title Sidetracked is in reference to the unexpectedly altered plans of people who had invested in that particular series of stocks.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This piece will always have a warm place in my heart, as it was the piece that established me with the C.L. Barnhouse Company and moved my writing/publishing career beyond just a hobby. To this day, it remains my best-selling completely original composition, and I’ll always be grateful to Andy Glover and Robert W. Smith for taking this chance on a completely unknown writer.

I also really love the piece because I absolutely loved the class for which it was written. As I write this note in May of 2017, the bulk of students I taught in that 6th grade band are now preparing to graduate from college. One of them was even in one of my bands this semester at Purdue. For years after they played this, they’ve asked “how’s our piece doing?” Kids, it did well. And thank you for giving it life.

Beyond the nostalgia, the composition really speaks for itself in terms of title and content: aggressive, sneaky, and ends with a bite. Enjoy!

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

In the extreme north and south, winter brings more than colder temperatures; it also brings the absence of sunshine. In some inhabited areas, the sun retreats below the horizon for as long as 65 days. As someone who needs a healthy dose of sunshine to stay upbeat during the winter, I have tremendous respect for those hardy souls who live with such extreme conditions. Despite this, however, I have to imagine that the sun’s first appearance after the polar night triggers a major uplifting of spirits. Sol Invictus (or “unconquered sun”) is written as a fanfare to celebrate that first sunrise after months of darkness.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Tantrum is simply a brief, aggressive outburst of sound. Much like a typical temper tantrum, there are several instances of repetition, building anger, mood shifts, and confrontational harmonies to create an overall belligerent atmosphere. Much like a child experiencing a tantrum, there is no moment where the music reaches a resolution point, but rather there are changes “tactics” while communicating the same message (or melody in this case). When all else fails, all efforts overlap during the last few measures, and the fit ends with one last dissonant, grating burst of sound before the concluding silence.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

I’ve felt lately like a lot of my writing time has been devoted to specific projects (commissions, arrangements for my own students, music for special events), and it was nice to sit down at the desk and work on a piece of music just because I wanted to write. Probably more so than any of my pieces in the last couple of years, The Adventure Begins is surprisingly straightforward and unabashedly cheerful. I was happy when I wrote it, and happy music was the result.

The composition simply reflects my delight in traveling to new places and allowing myself to take in the sights and sounds of somewhere I haven’t been, but will remember forever. This piece was written immediately after finding out I was given the opportunity to travel to Europe conducting and performing with our university band and orchestra. Every trip is a new adventure, and I hope this kind of joy never fades or becomes jaded with time.

Grade Level: 2.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

In any discipline, there is no easy path to success. It takes focus, and usually involves tension, repetition, and ambition. The Quest For Greatness explores the relentless ambition required to pursue excellence.

Grade Level: 2.5 | AUDIO LINK
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Don’t read too much into this… all title credit is due to Andy Glover, my brilliantly warped editor at C.L. Barnhouse. His idea spawned a dark little march and a pretty accessible trill-fest designed to get a band’s woodwind section playing with air support and finger dexterity. It was a lot of fun to put this together, and hopefully this will leave audiences in awe… not so much shock.

Grade Level: 2.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Zeal was commissioned by the Zeeland (Michigan) 7th Grade Bands (Nichole M. Bier and Aaron Good, Directors), and dedicated to Mrs. Pamela Dusseljee, longtime music aide at Creekside Middle School.

When I was approached by Ms. Bier for this project, I was given two statements. First, the piece is in thanks to a dedicated music assistant to the Creekside bands. Second, she really loves the sound of low winds and brass. It didn’t take me long to realize that both could come together quickly using nothing more than the name “Zeeland” as the spark. “Zeal” is simply defined as “great energy in pursuit of a cause or an objective.” From all I have heard about Mrs. Dusseljee’s work, she has demonstrated the meaning of “zeal” throughout her time at Creekside.

The composition opens with a strong full band statement, followed by a bold melody stated by the low voices. Lyrical sections are interspersed throughout the work to demonstrate the heart behind all the hard work put in by all those who assist this program. An open chorale in the middle of the work is given great intensity from the percussion section, representing relentless commitment and dedication. The piece ends much like it begins – with bold statement from the low voices, eventually joined by the full ensemble in a powerful conclusion.

Grade Level: 1.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

I recognized pretty quickly into one school year that I needed to do something to motivate my beginning trumpet section. Their work ethic and attention to detail was more than a little bit lacking, and they tended to be in a more-or-less permanent state of “chillaxin'” (a combination of “chilling” and “relaxing” that I’d grown tired of seeing). This was written to give them a feature that resembled their general attitude, and yet would make them actually start practicing and working toward improvement. It actually takes a fairly high level of focus to play in this style, and I was ready to try anything to pull them out of their mellow state. This straight-ahead groove was the result of this effort.

Grade Level: 1.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Dreams of Victory takes inspiration from all of the great musical themes accompanying the world’s elite athletic competitions. All of the common elements (such as simple, hummable themes and regal percussion parts) from those well-known melodies are incorporated into this dignified fanfare and processional.

Grade Level: 1.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This very simple and beautiful selection was written as a lullaby of sorts inspired by the vibrant imaginations of two young cousins of mine who I had only met once at the time the song was written.

Grade Level: 1.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Over the years that I’ve been writing music, I’ve come to the realization that I have a fascination with sunrises. Although the sun has indeed come up over 12,000 times during my lifetime (and I fully expect it to continue this trend for the rest of my lifetime), I still find myself pausing to enjoy those rare occasions when a sunrise is truly spectacular. Douglas Adams (author of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”) seemed to be equally taken with this special moment, writing: “There is a moment in every dawn when light floats, there is the possibility of magic. Creation holds its breath.” This composition depicts the simplicity of the first light of day, developing into a majestic chorale and a powerful finale.

Grade Level: 1.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

In November of 2014, I greatly enjoyed my first opportunity to travel to Australia. There were so many great sights and sounds from the experience that I am certain will influence me for years to come, but one of the most striking was the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The bridge was the most visually powerful architectural element of the city until the completion of the Sydney Opera House, and some would argue that it remains the city’s major architectural icon. I had the opportunity to walk this bridge several times; each time, I stopped at one of the massive structural towers to photograph and observe the great city and beautiful harbor.

This short concert opener briefly sums up the feelings I experienced when first seeing the bridge, the majesty of the design, and the uplifting opportunity to see the entire city spanning out over the great harbor and under a brilliant summer sky.

Grade Level: 1.0 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Power and Pride is a stately fanfare for young bands designed to open a program. In writing this, I elected to use some sounds that are similar to Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man to evoke an atmosphere of uncomplicated strength.

Grade Level: 1.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Toboggan Run was written to capture the fun of sledding down a steep hill. Having grown up in Michigan, I spent nearly every winter of my youth looking for hills to test out my newest sled or toboggan (quite possibly the most dangerous toy ever given to children under age ten…). While my friends can probably tell you that my success rate was less than stellar, this composition nonetheless represents the perfect run – a smooth ride, increasing in speed, with a safe landing at the bottom.

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

All Aboard! is written to provide exposure to two well-known American folk songs, as well as to provide young musicians an interesting and exciting composition after learning only the first six notes taught in most young band environments. The first melody (“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”) is accompanied by a very train-like percussion rhythm. The second half features the lower voices playing “She’ll Be Comin’ Round The Mountain” while the upper instruments provide a rhythmic sound effect.

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Dominance was written to provide a beginning band with a powerful yet attainable opening selection for their first major band concert. I tried to emphasize the traditional roles for each instrument family, such as the stately, ceremonial percussion parts, the strong foundation provided by all the low winds, and a brass-led melody throughout. In contrast to most other fanfares, I chose to allow the percussion section to provide nearly all the tempo support, and I casted the melodies in primarily whole notes and half notes. The resulting composition allows the youngest players to work on important fundamental skills (air speed and control) at the very beginning of a program, paving the way for a refined and successful performance afterwards.

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

The simplest way to describe this piece is to imagine if each measure of “Jingle Bells” was separated, shuffled, and dealt in a new order. The result is a tune that is naggingly familiar, almost bothersomely out of sorts, and uniquely non-festive. For good measure, I took the complete melody of the chorus and put it in reverse to create yet another way of mangling the most famous secular Winter holiday song in existence.

I promise you… I really do love the holiday season!

Of course, there’s no conceivable way I could leave this tune in that disheveled state, so it gets the full statement in the correct order before we leave for other (probably more normal) concert selections. Thanks for letting me provide some quirkiness on your Winter concert!

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

This short lyrical piece for young bands was a big surprise for me… this was my first attempt at writing a slow, beautiful piece that only utilized six notes. Partnering up “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Angels We Have Heard On High” yielded some sweet opportunities to craft an interesting piece for developing musicianship.

To this day, I believe this is my favorite piece I’ve written for beginning bands.

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

A good friend of mine has been bugging me to write a waltz for some time. That thought struck me as being an interesting angle for a Halloween-esque dance with some atypical (for me) writing. The trumpet section gets to play on their mouthpieces, the ww/brass sections get to keep up their vocal skills, and the low winds even get the (very carefully doubled) melody. And it all just works.

Grade Level: 0.5 | SCORE AND AUDIO
Published by the C.L. Barnhouse Company of Oskaloosa, IA

Like any boss on a deadline, the big guy in red can be a harsh taskmaster, and the elves in his workshop have had enough. They work against a cynical soundtrack of jingling bells until “The Man” steps out, giving way to a raucous celebration (and their first break in weeks.) As abruptly as it begins, the party stops when the boss’s whistle cuts through, and the grumbling elves return to their monotonous assembly of the year’s toys.