DaJuan E. Brooks’ DMA Conducting Recital
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!
Frances Norton MM Chamber Music Recital
Frances Norton Chamber Music Masters Recital
wants, needs, and other things (2025)
SMTD Composers' Concert
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.
Composers Concert
Premiere of 20 Miles out of Saybrook for Bass Trombone and Fixed Media performed by Stuart MacKenzie. 20 Miles out of Saybrook looks to the distance away from a goal, in this case, to get to a day vacation. When working in Hartford, CT my coworkers and I turned Saybrook into our fantasy of a heavenly escape from our job in the city. Thank you Stuart MacKenzie for commissioning and collaborating on this piece with me!
Concerts4aCause Fundraiser: OUT Ensemble
As apart of OUT Ensemble’s fundraiser for the there new album, they will be premiering a work of mine for Wind Quintet entitled “Luminosity”.
Angel Playhouse: Linus Poon Master’s Recital
In partial fulfillment of a Master's Degree in Clarinet Performance, Linus Poon presents his first graduate recital, Angel Playhouse. This recital will feature solo works by Elliott Carter, Stephen Gryc, Paul Hindemith, Clara Schumann, alongside the world premiere of Coney Tales by Rj Dion. Linus Poon is a student of Ayako Oshima-Neidich.
VIRID & Friends: FLYDLPHN
As a part of the VIRID and Friends series at Oz’s Music Environment, the VIRID duo will be performing Beyond the Beyond for Percussion Duo. If you are in the Ann Arbor area, please check it out!
Student Composers Series
Presented by the Department of Composition, the Student Composer Concert Series features new works written by University of Michigan undergraduate and graduate students.
Briggs Chamber Music Competition
The Briggs Competition was created to encourage the excellence of chamber music performance at SMTD and to provide performance opportunities for small ensembles. It is named in honor of its benefactors and evolved from the Dale and Nancy Briggs Chamber Music Endowed Enrichment Fund, established in 2004 and endowed in 2006, to support program and/or scholarship needs in chamber music.
Queer Artist Showcase
Queer Artist Showcase at The University of Michigan, highlighting collaborations between queer artists throughout SMTD. Both “my moment passed” for Wind Quintet and “Replicas” for Oboe, Bassoon, and Electric Violin with Looping Station will be performed as apart of the concert.
FLYDLPHN Chamber Ensemble
Michigan-based chamber ensemble, FLYDLPHN, performs works by University of Michigan composition students inspired by artworks by artists in the LSA Prison Creative Arts Project.
Never Thought: a chamber music recital
Never Thought: a chamber music recital will be held by Oboist Emily Brownlee on Monday, March 24th, 2025, in Stamps Auditorium on the University of Michigan’s North Campus. Replicas (2024-25), written for The Myriad Project, will be a part of the concert!
Oliver Barron Chamber Music Recital
Graduate student Oliver Barron performs in a chamber music master’s degree recital. Premiering two works of mine for trumpet focused ensembles!
Student Composer Concert Series
Presented by the Department of Composition, the Student Composer Concert Series features new works written by University of Michigan undergraduate and graduate students.