As a part of flutist Charlie Schick’s recital, Shades of Hardship a suite for Flute and Guitar will be performed a second time at The Hartt School.

For event information, please click here

As apart of SMTD’s yearly chamber music department competition, ensembles can choose to include Michigan composers works as apart of there sets and be included in a specific prize. I have the pleasure of having two works in the program this year. Luminosity for wind quintet with the Etwas Mehr Quintet and wants, needs, and other things for string quartet with Vierte Quartet.

Premiering as apart of The Hartt Schools’ Evening with Guitar and Harp, Shades of Hardship (2023-25) a Suite for Flute and Guitar. This three movement work encapsulates reflecting over the loss of someone who was only shortly in your life.

As apart of the Chamber Music degree requirement at SMTD, Whitney Corpany (trumpet), Marlia Nash (trombone), and I collaborated on a piece entitled Kotey Place for the brass duo and piano.

Kotey Place for Trumpet, Trombone and Piano is named after a small town in Wyoming directly between two important locations for Peanuts creator Charles Shulz, his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota and where he ended up moving to later life, Santa Rose, CA. This concept of a "place between" important locations in someone's life was incredibly intriguing to me which is where I went with the piece. Kotey Place, flies around a bounce of influences to properly reflect the music that was central to Charlie Brown and the Peanuts universe.

As apart of The Hartt Schools’ graduate wind quintet recital, the ensemble is performing Luminosity (2025) for more information about the piece please click here

Premiering as apart of Jóia Findeis’ Masters Viola Recital, Owl Parliament (2025) - began as a reference point, a realization that needed to be used as a title; a group of owls is considered a parliament. The immediate idea of putting owls in wigs and pretending they're British politicians from the 1800s is not lost on me, trust. When looking to create a piece around this title, I was met with wonderful timing, as violist Jóia Findeis approached me about collaborating on a piece for their recital. Not only did I think this title would be wonderful for Jóia, but I couldn't imagine another person who'd be more eager to work on a piece based on ornithology. Owl Parliament for viola and piano follows a little owlet leaving the nest out for its own,

As apart of Stuart MacKenzies’ MM recital he is including 20 Miles Out of Saybrook as apart of his program.

As apart of Rimas Stapusaitis’ chamber music recital, Tree City Winds, a reed quintet based at SMTD, will be performing the US premiere of Dunes in the Forest.

The Premiere of “I need to thank you” a Soprano Saxophone, Saxophone Quartet Concerto with Chamber Winds will be apart of DaJuan E. Brook’s 2nd recital towards the Doctorate in Wind Conducting at the University of Michigan.

“I need to thank you” was started as apart of a Wind Ensemble composition course taught by Dr. Roshanne Etezady at the University of Michigan; originally meant to be a saxophone quartet concerto in dedication to my biggest music influence and the best educator I could've asked for Marty Claussen. When I began writing this project I heard Mr. Claussen was retiring from Salem High School (Salem, NH) were I had the pleasure of being under his guidence. Wether it was in the host of ensembles he led, theory courses, or on the bus to football games I always knew he'd support my ideas and intentions. As I began to find interest in composition, Marty brought me references and concepts to parce through, helping me find my compositional influences.After leaving for college Mr. Claussen was still a beacon of support for my work and for my family.

When looking to expand the project, I was honored to get to collaborate with conductor DaJuan E. Brooks were we added a soprano saxophone soloist to the piece. This added a whole new layer of colors and textures to explore with, embodying my voice to thank Mr. Claussen. Each movement segments moments of my time knowing Marty that changed with his positive influence. "Apprehensive to be me" references my struggle with giving up baseball to focus more on music. The feeling of splintering away from a friend group I had from my early childhood to find my passion in music. "Following your step" as the second movement details my time working towards studying music in college, having Mr.Claussen as a beacon to help sort and realize my opportunites while becoming a drum major and more literally following his steps in the awkardly humid New Hampshire summer for band camp. Finally "Reflecting" is present tense, a tearful celebration for Marty while reflecting on all the memories I got to share with him.

I need to thank you is a reflection on the parts of my life I wouldn't have been able to conquer without the support and guidence of an incredibly impactful and heartfelt educator, musician and guiding figure. Thank you Mr. Claussen, please enjoy retirement and don't be a stranger!

Premiere of the work Around Silence is Life for The Myriad Project and Soloist

Written for The Myriad Project and Soloist was written as a semi-guided improvisational work as a reaction to silencing efforts by the current administration. The efforts have forced communities to organize and protect ourselves in a way history will reflect on in shock. These oppressive and authoritarian tactics will continue to escalate, and a way to survive is by unifying and speaking out.