My first piece for unaccompanied flute was inspired by the teaching methods of Edward V. Powell. Edward Powell was extremely influential on the teaching methods of Joe Allard who taught Victor Morosco who ultimately taught me. This piece was created to demonstrate and use some of Mr. Powell's extended technique exercises in a musical context. As I was playing Ibert's "Piece" during the composition of this work, there is a clear debt to the style of Ibert and thus the best category I can perhaps place it in is neo-impressionistic.

Dream Soliloquy explicitly requires a flute with a low B as it was created for less experienced players to make use of their brand new low B. It was also purposely written with an abnormal amount of sharps (to torture all those band students!). Extended techniques are limited to harmonics and flutter tonguing allowing this piece to serve as an introductory to such techniques. It is especially hoped that teachers will consider making copies of this piece for their students and send any feedback they or their students may have.

For Guido for Concert Band

MP3: forguido.mp3    PDF: forguido.pdf    Price: $50.00

Little Black Dots for Percussion Ensemble

MP3: littleblackdots.mp3    PDF: littleblackdots.pdf   Price: $15.00

Written during my brief but extremely enjoyable membership in the California State University Hayward (now East Bay) Percussion Ensemble. There is certainly an element of minimalism here with a subconscious nod to one of my favorite jazz compositions, Bob Brookmeyer's Ding Dong Ding as recorded on perhaps my favorite big band album, Mel Lewis: Live at the Village Vanguard.

From a pedagogical point of view, this piece is designed to allow for a role reversal of the traditional and unfortunately common separation in the percussion section between "mallet specialists" and "drummers". The vibes part is intended as a beginning mallet part playable by the most jaded drummer and the marimba part is intended as a easy bridge to 4 mallet technique. The drum parts are simple enough that the mallet specialists can also get a chance to play the unpitched drums. A great piece for rounding out the overall technique of the high school percussion section.

2 of 4 for String Orchestra

MP3: 2of4.mp3    PDF: 2of4.pdf  Price: $25.00

Nature Boy for Jazz Ensemble (arr.)

MP3: natureboy.mp3    PDF: natureboy.pdf   Price: $40.00

The opening requires a duet ballad style for the soloist and the guitar player.

The guitar part requires the player to read, but the reading is supported by both the flugelhorn and flute. A nice way to start encouraging young guitar players to go beyond the chords and tablature.

It is designed for any of the 2 alto or 2 tenor saxophone parts to be eliminated in favor of a pure flute part. It was written as a flugelhorn and guitar feature, but is cued in such a way that it could easily be played as a flute and guitar feature. A wonderful opportunity for your flute players or saxophone doublers.

It is neither really easy, nor really difficult; the trumpet parts do not go above a written D above the staff.

The guitar part is fairly  fundamental to the successful performance of this arrangement.

This arrangement should be easily played by most high school level ensembles.

Contrapuntus 1 - The Art of the Fugue
J.S. Bach
Arranged for String Quartet/String Orchestra