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!
