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Some of my Symphonic Band Compositions can be found at http://www.martianmusic.net/band-music/concert-band/ |
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Take Flight
Sketch started : Feb. 3, 2021
Finished : Mar. 17, 2021
Length: 6:34
Form: A-B-A
I had just finished Heroes of The Valley and wanted to put a bit of time before starting a new pice. During that time, ideas started to run through my head. As the ideas started to solidify, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to write a piece with a constant Ostinato style of energy. On top of that, I wanted to perpetuate that feel of forward movement by using a variation of the triplet feel. After soon developing stages of the themes, I decided to drop the percussion out and let the winds continue the forward energy which created a quasi “B” section without changing tempo (This happens about 2:40 into the tune). For the next 3:30 minutes I gave the Winds the main themes, counterparts, etc. and pairing those melodic themes with single percussion pairings with the woodwinds and brass. At the 5:30 mark, I brought back the beginning "A" themactic material to to set up for the ending.
Metaphorically , while working on it and listening multiple times to it, the song started to reveal its title. In some way, when you watch an eagle take flight, moving up in altitude to a place where they can simply soar, so too are we. Starting to leave the past 14 months of being under the confinement of pandemic, we are also ready to "Take Flight" into the future.
Hope you enjoy it.
Sketch started : Feb. 3, 2021
Finished : Mar. 17, 2021
Length: 6:34
Form: A-B-A
I had just finished Heroes of The Valley and wanted to put a bit of time before starting a new pice. During that time, ideas started to run through my head. As the ideas started to solidify, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to write a piece with a constant Ostinato style of energy. On top of that, I wanted to perpetuate that feel of forward movement by using a variation of the triplet feel. After soon developing stages of the themes, I decided to drop the percussion out and let the winds continue the forward energy which created a quasi “B” section without changing tempo (This happens about 2:40 into the tune). For the next 3:30 minutes I gave the Winds the main themes, counterparts, etc. and pairing those melodic themes with single percussion pairings with the woodwinds and brass. At the 5:30 mark, I brought back the beginning "A" themactic material to to set up for the ending.
Metaphorically , while working on it and listening multiple times to it, the song started to reveal its title. In some way, when you watch an eagle take flight, moving up in altitude to a place where they can simply soar, so too are we. Starting to leave the past 14 months of being under the confinement of pandemic, we are also ready to "Take Flight" into the future.
Hope you enjoy it.
| take_flight_-04_6_21.mp3 |
It's Time To Move On
Sketch Started Nov 3 2020 - Finished Dec. 12 2020
Length: 4:33
It's Time To Move On
Sketch Started Nov 3 2020 - Finished Dec. 12 2020
Length: 4:33
| its_time_to_move_on.mp3 |
It's Been A While
Started rthe sketch Nov. 9 2020 - Finished Nov 17th 2020
Length: 5:22
It's Been A While
Started rthe sketch Nov. 9 2020 - Finished Nov 17th 2020
Length: 5:22
| its_been_a_while_.mp3 |
This Too Shall Pass
Started the sketch Feb. 28, 2020 - Finished Mar. 25 2020
Length: 7:36
This Too Shall Pass was part of my compositions I wrote during the Covid19 Pandemic shut down. Just reflecting on a "normal" time for all of us. Perhaps something mello, thoughtful, meditating like.
| this_too_shall_pass_-_a.mp3 |
Ghost Light : June 2020
Started working in this sketch at the beginning of May, 2020.
Completed June 15th 2020
Length: 7:34
http://www.martianmusic.net/band-music/concert-band/
As with most of my work, I have a concept running through my head which is usaully related to my current surroundings. As the the country shuts down due to the covid-19 issue and watching society anxiously awaiting the "reopening" opportunities to start, even though Covid-19 is still a dominating factor is all our lives, but learning how to deal with it, the composition started to send signals to me in regards to the compositions title. It started to feel like and reminded me of the legendary symbolic lamp that is placed front center of a performing stage.
"A ghost light is a light that stays on inside the theatre, even when the house is dark, when a show's not going on, or when a show's not running,"...... Using that concept as a symbolic metaphor to what our country is going too. Hopefully we will be able to turn off the Ghost Light and return what we know as norm.
The composition is A-B-A form. The "B" section is when the Ghost Light is turned on.
| ghost_light_-mp3.mp3 |
This Too Shall Pass
Started sketching this out Feb. 28 th 2020.
Completed March 20th 2020
Length: 7:35
http://www.martianmusic.net/band-music/concert-band/
As with all my family, friends and colleagues who are "Sheltered In" I also found myself challenged with something to do. For me, it was heading back to my compositional interests, challenging myself with the opportunity to create. These compositions start out in a sketch form, (as they all do...) and as it starts to develop, it tells me what direction to take. By the time I get 70% into it, I start to feel the Title surfacing. (although I have an abstract concept of what is being developed). The challenge was to develop a composition based on one idea. .... the first 3 notes that you'll hear in the opening French Horn/Euphonium Statement...... from that point on, it takes its course.
The Title simply reflects where we all (the world!) are and dealing with. Covid-19.
| this_too_shall_pass_-_a.mp3 |
2020 - A Fanfare For Tomorrow
Start sketching this out Jan. 2. Completed Jan. 23rd.
Length: 4:37
First rehearsal reading Feb. 3, 2020 at Napa Valley College Wind Ensemble. Debut performance is scheduled for May 1st at Napa Valley College Performing Arts Theater.
The basis of this composition is the division of what America is feeling and going through. I personally refuse to get wrapped up in this division due to the quality of my family, friends and colleagues. I also feel that the leadership of America needs to change and to reunite us ALL with a sence of direction, humanity, passion and global respect. Doesn't matter which side of the "hall" people sit, what matters is that we work together to accomplish common goals that will offer a quality of life for us all. I believe that we all share common values so I'm hoping that 2020 will be the begining of a new mindset.
| 2020_a_fanfare_for_tomorrow_.mp3 |
In Motion - Aug. 4, 2019
Length: 8:20
http://www.martianmusic.net/band-music/concert-band/
I had just finished "Angle's Theme" (Orchestral Composition) and a couple weeks went by and I started thinking about another project. As my thoughts started to take a direction, I knew that I wanted to come out of the shoot, right away, with forward movement. As I sketched out the first four measures, the composition quickly started talking to me. Leading me down the road to what comes next. Using bits of imitation and variation technic's, not knowing exactly where it would take me, I simply followed my instincts and went for the ride. one thing leading to the next!
I started sketching this out in the beginning of July, 2019, and pretty much finished August 4, a month later.
As with most of my compositions, the concept of the tune comes before the title. So as the composition develops I start getting ideas of its title. This particular title didn't solidify itself until later on in mid August. Therefore, dubbing it "In Motion"
Love to hear your feed back, comments, etc..... email me at: ganttmusic@gmail.com
| in_motion-perc_modified.mp3 |
"In Motion"
Performed by the Sonoma St. Univ. Wind Ensemble
Andy Coillinsworth Director
After a few conversations with Andy ColIinsworth, he presented me the opportunity to bring In Motion up to Sonoma St. Univ. for a reading and recording by the SSU Wind Ensemble. So Thursday Sept. 19th, I headed over to Sonoma St. Univ.
Andy gave "In Motion" a large period of time, reading, going over some details, and having a wonderful interaction between myself and the ensemble. In short, it was great spending time with the Sonoma St. Wind Ensemble and I’m extremely grateful for this "Meet the Composer" opportunity.
The result, after about 45/50 minutes session of reading, tweaking, going over some details and making notes in my score, we got a recording. The ensemble was fortunate to rehearse in the Green Music Center “Weill Hall”, a State of the Arts Performing venue that everyone should experience and the recording we captured ended up being really good.
Below is the result of that session!
Thank you Andy & the Sonoma St. Univ. Wind Ensemble.
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Landscapes : 2018
Symphonic Band Composition
To be premiered in the Spring 2019 by Napa Valley College Wind Ensemble. In late June, we found ourselves in the rural, center hillsides of Italy. Gazing over the area, I was taken back by such a common likeness to our local Napa Valley. The beginning Andante section is reflective of the rolling hills and valleys. Peaceful, calm, slow pace with life and friendliness. However, in August, the Allegro Section came to me while I was looking out of our hotel window while visiting New York City. In one direction, there was Central Park. The other direction was a continuos barrage construction sites of high rises, people dodging cars, horse drawn carriages and all the normal hustle and bustle of the New York City life. Obviously, the tempo of humanity provided the contrast. Below pictures reflect my views.
You will see Landscapes beginning to be sketched out on my Mac.
| landscapes-condenced_dr_section_parts_.mp3 |
Reflections: 2017
Symphonic Band Composition
After sprending 31 years as the Instrumental Music Director at Vintgage High School in Napa Ca. I retired ! It was a very good run with the kids, parents and school district. Thank you Tom Presscott for taking that risk when you hired my in August of 1986!
Throughout the summer of 2017, I caught myself relecting on my experience and how fun it was to start out with 56 kids who simply wanted to do something. Make a name for their efforts as well as for their school. We grew form those 56 kids into 2 Symphonic Bands, Jazz Band, String & Symphonic Orchestra. Award winning Marching Band, Color Guard, Winter Percussion. Not to mention the dozen of students that came through my program that are now current Teachers, (both Classroom and Music Teachers) , Professional Musicans, and are participating in their Community Music World, it's very rewarding knowing we were able to contribute excellent humans to our society! Also, out of the three high school's we have in Napa, two of those Instrumental Music Directors came through my program! It's been fun.
First performed by the Univ. of Pacific Wind Ensemble Feb. 2018. Also performered by the Napa Valley College Wind Ensemble, May 2018
| reflections_-_edited_score_10_31_score.mp3 |
Umbria: 2016
During the summer of 2016, my wife and I went to Italy. First stopping in Florence to vist a dear friend of ours for a few days. After that, we headed south through central Italy, landing in the Umbria Region and settling into a small town of il poggio nestled on top of a hill with many acres of open farm land and space. Not to mention the Antiquity and History that landmarks this country.
Well, after a week or so in the area, and the arrival of more family members, I got inspired and "Umbria" was done!
I had my "Wind Ensemble" at Vintage High School perform this composition at my "Last" Spring Concert before officially retiring.