flexible trio

ca. 6:00

This trio traces Death’s subtle presence through an ever-shifting musical landscape. Beginning with a shadowy melody that propels the piece into increasingly intense transformations, it echoes the long ‘dance with death’ tradition by allowing moments of vitality to emerge even within the inevitable.

for symphonic band and various chamber ensembles

ca. 4:00

This haunting and powerful work plunges the listener into a sound world of ominous grandeur and surreal unease. Commissioned by Benjamin Yates in honor of Mr. Nyline for the 2025 Luther College Low Brass Reunion.

wind ensemble

ca. 5:00

Rich textures and a kaleidoscope of colors capture the breathtaking experience of witnessing a sunset in the Adirondacks. Commissioned by the Adirondack Wind Ensemble; Daniel Gordon, director.

various chamber ensembles

ca. 9:00 (or 6:00 with optional cut)

A showcase for ensembles looking for a piece with an expansive emotional range, this work develops songlike melodies through denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Commissioned by Don Bosco High School Instrumental Music Department, this piece is a tribute to Michael Steimel.

clarinet ensemble and four-hand piano

ca. 16:00

Captivate your audience with the enchanting melodies, dark sonorities, and lively rhythms of this piano duet. Commissioned by the University of Wisconsin-Superior MTNA Student Chapter.

for solo trombone, bass trombone, or tuba with accompaniment

ca. 17:00

All three movements of Quest are cinematically dark. Inspired by epic films that have wonderful scores, this piece travels through mysterious lands, experiences tragic loss, is sprinkled with a few comedic moments, and ends in a virtuosic and celebratory dance!

for either marimba or xylophone

ca. 10:00

Bones is a collection of short, concert-programmable etudes for two-mallet percussion. Each movement of this light-hearted work is in reference to some type of ‘bone’ - from ‘Wishbone’ to ‘Funny bone,’ and from ‘Skeleton Key’ to ‘Jolly Roger!’

flexible instrumentation

ca. 3:00

Fantasy in C is a lighthearted piece inspired by the character Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit. The piece is divided into different sections that follow Bilbo as he’s traveling through Middle Earth.

for piano and electronics

ca. 11:00

Utilizing a reversed recording of a piano, Nosferatu is a piece that illustrates the character Count Orlok from Nosferatu: eine Symphonie des Grauens (Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror). Count Orlok is a vampire of folklore; an undead corpse that brings death wherever he goes.

for clarinet quartet, low clarinet quartet, or saxophone quartet

ca. 5:30

Constructed from a ‘whirlwind’ of quirky and fun melodies, musical ideas are quickly exchanged from one player to another. A mixture of humor and eeriness make for a comically dark experience.

for symphonic band, orchestra, or flute choir

ca. 4:30

Considered by many to be the first ‘true’ horror film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was incredibly innovative with its use of cinematography and warped sets. This piece is ominously atmospheric through its use of sinister melodies and eerie harmonies that build to a frightening climax!

flexible instrumentation

ca. 16:00

Duet in F Minor is an eloquent conversation between the two musicians. Over the span of three movements playfulness mixes with curiosity, laments lead into fury, and passions build to a fiery finale.

flexible instrumentation

ca. 6:00

Roughly a theme and variations, Duet in C Minor manipulates the main melody while juxtaposing it with contrasting counter melodies and foreground. Beginning slow and somber, rhythms and tempo gradually build throughout the piece to an energetic finale.