Featured

Zeal for brass quintet and wind band, 2nd Edition

"Zeal" is through-composed, inspired by the stylings of 20th century American composers, and a celebration of the tradition and evolution of the American community band. It was commissioned by Mr. Jim Kirchenbauer, director of the Arlington Concert Band (Arlington, VA) and the United States Army Brass Quintet and was premiered at the inaugural National Community Band Festival at George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) on April 28th, 2018. The work comprises several distinct episodes, each highlighting a particular mood or musical style. Influence is pulled from jazz, cinema, military/marching bands, and the origins of wind band/ensemble repertoire, and the piece features both subtle and overt nods to particular composers and compositions.

It was premiered by the Arlington Concert Band and the U.S. Army Brass Quintet at George Mason University in 2018, and after hearing the live recording, I realized that there were several moments I was distinctly unsatisfied with. I was unwilling to leave the piece as it was, so I decided to refine/reimagine those sections and am releasing this version publicly as the 2nd edition.