David and Goliath (2023)

Instrumentation: String Orchestra

Duration: 5 minutes

Program Notes: David and Goliath is a musical depiction of the original underdog story, an exceptional tale referenced by both Christianity and popular culture. When King Saul and his army cower at the sight of the Goliath, a shepherd boy named David rises to the challenge. Thin, light textures are pitted against dramatic musical gestures, portraying the battle between the giant and our unlikely hero. Eventually, David’s modest motif becomes the mightiest of all as our protagonist overpowers Goliath and vanquishes the villain.

Premiere: Kate Matthews, conductor; Feb 22, 2024; Lincoln, NE

Snake in the Grass (2022)

Instrumentation: 1111 / 1111 / perc (2) / hp.pno / str

Duration: 5 minutes

Program Notes: Snake in the Grass is a riveting piece with an erratic, malevolent character. Its dissonant, serpentine melodies weave through the accompaniment, poised to strike at any moment. This piece explores various modes of E harmonic minor, posing an exciting challenge for intermediate performers.

Outbreak (2020)

Instrumentation: 22 (II Cor A) 22 / 4231 / timp.perc (3) / str

Duration: 10 minutes

Program Notes: Outbreak is an instance of musical infection, a battle between the sublime and the grotesque. Angular, dissonant figures impose themselves upon elegant, tuneful melodies, threatening to transform them into something almost unrecognizable. Will beauty prevail? Or will it succumb to this outbreak?