Equinox at the MCO

I love the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. The Toronto Star has described them as “Canada’s tiny, perfect chamber orchestra” and I agree. While I’ve only done arranging work for them, I’ve done it three separate times and two of those were with the brilliant folk singer (and dynamite human being) Raine Hamilton. The ensemble is so strong musically and so thoughtful with their programming that I’m … Continue reading Equinox at the MCO

“The Stars of November” at ITG2023!

We never know where a piece is going to go when we begin its journey – and it’s always we. Sure, the composer writes it, but the commissioning path includes organizations, performers, venues, sometimes festivals or events; and yes, the composer too. Kayla Solomon and Danielle Guina, the performers of “The Stars of November” have been an inseparable part of the process. The piece was … Continue reading “The Stars of November” at ITG2023!

“Nothing Gold Can Stay” (NEW WORK!)

Hey everyone, I have a new work in print! I know, even in this crazy year of remote rehearsals and streaming concerts, composers are still writing and publishers are still printing new music. I am so grateful for that. This new piece is an SATB setting of Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and I’m so incredibly proud of it. It was commissioned by Dr. … Continue reading “Nothing Gold Can Stay” (NEW WORK!)

Music Ed Monday – Assignments for Days Without Playing

Hey team. I’ve been thinking about ways to help my fellow teachers in these uncertain times, especially considering that we won’t be playing very much to help stem transmission of COVID-19. So, I thought I’d share some of the materials/assignments that I’ve got for when we’re not playing. 1959 – The Year That Changed Jazz Four big jazz albums were released in 1959: Kind of … Continue reading Music Ed Monday – Assignments for Days Without Playing

Transcendent Light – US Premiere!

Wow, what a year… actually, it’s more like two years. I’ve been kind of neglecting my website duties (though, if you follow me on social media, I’ve still been pretty busy). That being said, I have a lot to share, but there’s something pretty special that I want to share today. In 2017, I had the incredible privilege to be selected by a consortium headed … Continue reading Transcendent Light – US Premiere!

Music Ed Monday – Lighthouse Music (Part 1)

Hey team, I love music – I really do. I think about it quite a lot, but when both my day and night jobs are music, sometimes I get so burned out that I can’t see the forest from the trees; or rather, the beauty in the sonic fabric from the succession of pitches in a unidirectional harmonic progression. Sometimes, we play music; sometimes, we … Continue reading Music Ed Monday – Lighthouse Music (Part 1)