Chamber Instrumental

Good Morning for trumpet, horn, and trombone  (2024)  3:30

This is an arrangement of Good Morning for three trumpets

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Good Morning – for three trumpets  (2023)  3:30

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McMurry University Centennial Fanfare  (2023)  0:17

For two trumpets. Commissioned by Dr. David Amlung for the Centennial Celebration of McMurry University, 2023.

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Trio for violin, cello, and piano  (2023)  10:20

This piece is dedicated to Alex Carpenter and Bill Harden. It is subtitled “Sketches of Jazz”.

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Trio for flute, bassoon, and piano  (2023)  10:20

This piece is subtitled “Sketches of Jazz” and is dedicated to my colleagues Alex Carpenter and Bill Harden.

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Variations on a New Folksong for woodwind quintet  (2022)  4:10

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Easter Meditation for brass quintet  (2022)  2:56

For the Key City Brass.

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Variations on a “Folksong” for wind quartet  (2022)  4:41

For flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon. Based on a newly composed folksong that shares many traits with traditional European folksongs. This piece is also arranged for string quartet.

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Variations on a New Folksong for piano  (2022)  4:10

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Variations on a New Folksong for brass quintet  (2022)  4:10

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Restless for piano  (2022)  9:27

This piece expresses all the emotions associated with being restless: anxious, sleepless, concern, and worry.

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Celebration Hymn – Chamber  (2022)  6:30

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb, Bassoon, Trumpet in Bb, Tuba, Timpani, Cymbals, Tubular Bells, Marimba, Vibraphone

Variations on “Doncaster” by S.S. Wesley for chamber ensemble. The chamber version was commissioned by Dr. David Amlung for the Centennial Celebration of McMurry University, 2023.

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The Long Goodbye for Bb trumpet and piano  (2021)  10:36

The Long Goodbye” traces the emotional journey of gradually losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease. It begins with the sudden, but not completely unexpected diagnosis, and then evokes the highs and lows of the good and bad days in which the present and memories of the past become intertwined. Near the end of the piece, there is dramatic passage in which the profound sense of loss is keenly felt. The piece concludes with an epilogue that conveys the Christian hope of eternal life for our loved ones.

This piece was commissioned by Dr. David Amlung and premiered by the ACU wind ensemble, it is part of the Consortium Commissioning Project sponsored by ACU, HSU, McMurry, and Eastern New Mexico University. This version is for purchase for those that seek to enter the Consortium.

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The Sound of Trumpets for the Lord  (2021)  4:11

for mixed trumpet ensemble

Piccolo Trumpet in A, Piccolo Trumpet in G, Trumpet in D, Rotary Trumpet in C, Trumpet in C, Piccolo Trumpet in Bb, Trumpet in Eb, Trumpet in Bb, Cornet, Flugelhorn, Low Trumpet in F, and Bass Trumpet in Bb.

This work was commissioned by Jay Lester for the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild for their performance at TMEA in February, 2022.

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Pentecost Meditation for brass quintet  (2021)  4:51

Communion hymn meditation.

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Liberty’s Dream, Freedom’s Journey  (2020)  8:05

for oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon

This piece is commissioned by and dedicated to the Key City Winds. This piece was inspired by the words and sentiments of the “I Have a Dream” speech given by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.  May the issue of racial differences never be used to divide America. May the peace of Christ unite us all.

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Fanfare and Hymn for trumpet sextet  (2020)  5+ minutes

Commissioned by and Dedicated to the Altus Trumpet Ensemble

Commissioned by and Dedicated to the Altus Trumpet Ensemble.

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Who’s on First for Bb Trumpet and Trombone  (2020)  4:03

Commissioned by and Dedicated to John E. Kennedy, Professor of Fine Arts, South Plains College, Levelland, Texas

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Evening Reflections for flugelhorn and piano  (2020)  9:27

for Flugelhorn and piano

Commissioned by and Dedicated to David Amlung in honor of his father

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Five Duets for Trumpets  (2020)  9:04

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Nocturne – brass quintet  (2019)  5:07

Commissioned by and Dedicated to Lawson Hager.

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Nocturne for Trumpet Quartet  (2019)  5:12

Originally for horn quartet.

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Three Moods for Piano  (2019)  5:56

Inspired by the silent film score anthology of Erno Rapee.

I. Somber

II. Joyful

III. Confident

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Nocturne – horn quartet  (2019)  5'07"

Dedicated to and Commissioned by Lawson Hager

For Lawson Hager and the Horn Studio at Hardin-Simmons University.

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Parable for Oboe and Piano  (2019)  7:50

Dedicated to Susie Rockett.

For Susie Rockett.

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Four “Chants” of Francisco de Lacerda  (2018)  5:27

I. Chant du feu

II. Chanson triste

III. Chant de la montagne

IV. Chanson de la route (Nord)

Arranged for string quartet, originally for piano.

Please contact Bernard Scherr for score use for performance.

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Lontano for Bb Trumpet, Percussion, and Electronics  (2018)  7:55

This piece evokes images of an ancient battle field, long silent, upon which the echoes of the  combatants still linger.

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Lontano for Bb Trumpet, Percussion, and Electronics

Music of the Ainur  (2018)  9:41

Dedicated to the Abilene Chamber Consortium.

for woodwind quintet, brass quintet, string quartet, piano, percussion, and electronics. The version without electronics can be purchased on the webstore.

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Canção do berço of Francisco de Lacerda  (2018)  3:09

Arranged for string quartet, originally for piano.

Please contact Bernard Scherr for score use for performance.

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Symphonic Duet for Trumpet and Percussion  (2018)  7:42

Commissioned by Dr. David Amlung and Dr. Juan Mendoza

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Forever Rising double trumpet quintet  (2018)  4.00

This piece was commissioned by members of the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild for their upcoming performance at the 2019 TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas.

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A Single Candle for bassoon and piano  (2018)  5:35

bassoon and piano

Commissioned by Dr. Janelle Ott, Instructor of Bassoon, HSU.

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Just Below the Eaves for woodwind quintet  (2017)  5:47

Commissioned by the Key City Winds.

For the Key City Winds.

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Just Stand Up and Play for trumpet quintet  (2017)  2:54

Commissioned by Dr. David Amlung for the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild.

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For Those We Miss for two trumpets and piano  (2016)  8:52

This piece is dedicated to all of the wonderful musicians that have either recently passed away or are no longer teaching at HSU. The music traces their emotional state of hearing bad news and their struggle with the life decisions that followed this news.

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Three Pieces for Brass Quintet and Organ  (2016)  17:32

Written for the Key City Brass Quintet and Hye-Jean Choi

I. Intensity

II. Solemnity

III. Jollity

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A Trumpet Shall Sound for brass quintet  (2016)  6:11

This piece was commissioned by Dr. David Amlung, Assistant Professor of Music, McMurry University, in honor of Dr. Mark Wilcox.

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Cirith Ungol  (2015)  11:12

Flute/Piccolo, Oboe/English horn, Bb Clarinet/Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, C Trumpet, F Horn, Trombone, Tuba, 2 Violins, Viola, Cello, Piano, Percussion: claves, triangle, timbales (2), cymbals, tam-tam

This piece was requested by Dr. Charlie Coltman for the Abilene Chamber Players for a special concert featuring Hardin-Simmons University Composers. The concert was in the fall of 2015. I have wanted to compose a piece based on the time Frodo and Sam entered Shelob’s tunnel to their leaving the Tower of Cirith Ungol. I also wanted to work with my colleagues, Steve Neves and Mike Jones, on creating drawings that focused on 10 scenes from this story arc. The performance included a film of their art that was coordinated with the music. Anyone familiar with Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, will know that this episode is perhaps the most frightening and perilous part of his epic story. If not for the heroic bravery of Sam, the quest to destroy the Ring would have failed. The music and artwork, in many ways, are in homage to him.

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Cirith Ungol

On Memories Not Forgotten: Echoes of Regret and Whispers of Solitude  (2014)  8:51

for flute and piano

Commissioned by and dedicated to Dr. Karla Ordoñez. This piece was inspired by the tragic memories of the remnant of the Noldor still living in Middle-earth in the Third Age who remember the kin-strife caused by the Oath of Fëanor.

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Grey Skies for horn and piano  (2014)  9:45

Commissioned by Dr. Robert Tucker. This piece was inspired by the grey skies that haunted Sam and Frodo as they struggled in their journey towards Mordor.  They were single-minded in their dedicated to completing what seemed and felt like an impossible task. They overcame their fear and constantly moved forward toward their goal, whatever end that would be.

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The Music of Valinor for brass quintet  (2013)

in four movements

I. The Procession of the Valar, With the Interludes of Melkor

II. The Song of Yavanna, Creating Telperion and Laurelin

III. The Treachery of Melkor, the Theft of the Silmarils

IV. The Ascent of Vingilot, the Rise of the Star of Eärendil

This piece is inspired by the beautiful tales found in The Silmarillion, and was composed and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.

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Summer for brass quintet  (2012)

in four movements

I. Sun Rising

II. Heat

III. No Vacation

IV. Early evening

This piece was inspired by the terribly hot summer of 2010. It was composed for and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.

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Tightrope for piano duet  (2012)  8:10

This piece was commissioned by Dr. Kay Williams and Dr. Pauline Bjorem. They were on the piano faculty at Abilene Christian University. This piece contains a number of jazz idioms, such as rag-time rhythms and extended seventh-chords.

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Bernie’s Blues  (2012)

electronic

This piece was composed as an example to be used in my “Composing with Pro Tools and Reason” class. It’s a funny little tune imitating a live performance. The class and I are both audience and performers.

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A Christmas Medley  (2012)  3:25

  1. What Child is This?
  2. Greensleeves
  3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
  4. We Three Kings
  5. Good Christian Men Rejoice

for brass quartet/quintet (horn/trombone)

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What’s for Lunch? for flute, oboe, and clarinet  (2011)

in three movements

I. Noodles

II. Ice Tea

III. Soup

This piece was written at the request of my “lunch buddies” for the woodwind faculty at Hardin-Simmons University. 

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The Setting Sun for flute and piano  (2011)  5:53

This piece was a commission by Dr. Lisa McArthur, Professor of Music at Campbellsville University.

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Corners for trumpet quartet  (2011)

This piece was a commission by Dr. John Irish, Professor of Trumpet at Angelo State University.

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No Second Chances for percussion octet  (2010)  4:05

This piece was commissioned by Keith Lloyd, Instructor of Percussion and Music History, McMurry University.

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Six Portuguese Folksongs for Brass Quintet  (2010)

arranged for young musicians

I. A Pastorinha

II. Carro amaricano

III. Coradinha

IV. Mourisca

V. O ai, o linda!

VI. O Xi-Xi

These pieces are published by Cherry Classics and can be purchased at: https://cherryclassics.com/collections/vendors?q=Scherr

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Groovy Pastorinhas for brass quintet  (2010)  2:30

This piece is a VERY jazzy version of a Portuguese folksong.

This piece was written for the Key City Brass Quintet. 

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Music in Colors for piano  (2010)

four pieces on the paintings of Joao de Brito

I. Trees

II. Hills and Mountains

III. The Vineyard

IV. Water Colors

This work was inspired by the paintings of Joao de Brito and the brilliant piano playing of Joao Bettencourt da Camara. Senor da Camara has performed these pieces in the US and the UK.

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Let’s Go Fast for trumpet quintet  (2010)  4:13

also arranged for brass quintet

This piece was commissioned by the late Dr. Mark Wilcox, former Assistant Professor of High Brass, McMurry University.

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Night and Day for clarinet  (2010)  7:21

in two movements

I. Night

II. Day

This piece was commissioned by Dr. Charles Coltman, Professor of Woodwinds, Hardin-Simmons University.

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Openings for viola (or cello) quartet  (2010)  6:36

for viola quartet

This piece was a commission by Dr. Peter Neubert, Visiting Assistant Professor of Viola at Hardin-Simmons University.

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Echoes for two trumpets  (2010)

This piece was written for Dr. Mark Wilcox and Dr. Bernard Scherr.

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Featurettes for brass quintet  (2010)  10:10

in three movements

Featurette I: A Little Work

Featurette II: A Little Rest

Featurette III: A Little Play

This piece was written for and premiered by the Key City Brass Quintet.

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Music in Colors for string quartet  (2009)  20:30

  1. Trees
  2. Hills and Mountains
  3. The Vineyard
  4. Water Colors

Selections of Music in Colors for piano arranged for string quartet.

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Black Coffee for cello and piano  (2009)  9:30

This piece was commissioned by Dr. Kristin Isaacson, Assistant Professor of Cello and String Bass, Hardin-Simmons University.

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Three Cues for Trumpet and Piano  (2009)  15:43

I. Watch Out!

II. Take a Break

III. Get Up, Get Moving!

This piece was written for Dr. Mark Wilcox, Assistant Professor of High Brass, McMurry University.

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Three Portuguese Folksongs for piano  (2009)  7:05

for piano

I. Os Reis, Ó da casa carvalheira

II. A Nossa Senhora d’Aires

III. Cana Verde

These arrangements were made for the celebration of the 50th wedding anniversary of Balzer and Blondina Scherr.

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I Need A Nap for viola and piano  (2008)  7:08

This piece was commissioned by and is dedicated to Dr. Peter Neubert, former Visiting Instructor of Music, Hardin-Simmons University.

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Dance Suite for piano  (2007)  12:48

for piano, in five movements

I. Prelude

II. March

III. Ballade

IV. Waltz

V. Two-Step

This piece was arranged for concert band which was premiered by the Hardin-Simmons University Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Wayne Dorothy.

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Portuguese Folksongs, Book I for string quartet  (2006)  15:48

arranged for string quartet and string orchestra

I. A “Fecha” da Mijarela

II. A Senhora da Saúde

III. Dai voltas, Senhor!

IV. Á Sombra do arvoredo

V. Os Reis

VI. Aldeia não vale nada

VII. O menina “Delaidinha”!

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Portuguese Folksongs, Book II for string quartet  (2006)

arranged for string quartet and string orchestra

I. O “melitar, melitar”!

II. Namorei a Felismina

III. Eu esta “manhé áchei”

IV. Brincas tu

V. Cravos em teu peito

VI. Esta Noite Rodou um Carro

VII. Donde vens, ó Agostinho?

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Morning Whispers for flute, viola, and harp  (2006)  8:50

Morning Whispers was inspired by the Debussy Trio and their readings of student compositions many years ago at the University of Oregon.

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Jubilation Fanfare for large brass ensemble  (2005)  3:02

for 6 trumpets, 5 horns, 3 trombones, 2 euphoniums, 2 tubas, timpani, cymbals

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Organ Trio for violin, cello, and organ  (2005)  17:15

in three movements

I. Expectation

II. Waiting

III. Arrival

This piece was commissioned by Dr. Tido Janssen, former Associate Professor of Cello and String Bass, Hardin-Simmons University.

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Clarinet Sonata  (2004)

for clarinet and piano.

This piece was commissioned by Dr. Charles Coltman, Professor of Woodwinds, Hardin-Simmons University. This work has also been performed on numerous occasions by Dr. Thomas Josenhans.

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Fanfare for Six Trumpets  (2002, rev. 2023)  2:13

This piece is an arrangement of Fanfare for Six Horns.

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Piano Quintet for clarinet, violin, viola, cello, and piano  (2002)  16:30

in three movements

I. With intensity

II. Adagio

III. Chaconne

This piece was commissioned and premiered by the Abilene Chamber Players.

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Fanfare for Six Horns  (2002)  2:13

This piece was written for the horn studio of former Dean and Associate Professor of Horn, Lawson Hager, Hardin-Simmons University.

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Academic Fanfare and Processional for brass octet, timpani, and organ  (2001)  6:34

This work was commissioned by Hardin-Simmons University for the inauguration of its former president, Dr. Craig Turner.

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Fanfare for the New Millennium for brass quintet  (2001)  4:10

This piece won the University of Oregon’s 125th Anniversary Composition Commission Competition. 

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Fanfare for an Uncommon Trumpeter  (2000, rev. 2011)  1:00

for solo Bb trumpet

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Around the Box  (1997)

for tape, electronic music piece; lost

Scherzando on Man Mei Longe for 2 clarinets and 2 marimbas  (1997)  2:04

This piece was an assignment for my doctorate exams in composition. I enjoyed the result so much that I have added it to my oeuvre. It is a fun setting of an old English folksong.

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Brass Octet in Three Movements  (1996‑97)  16:48

for 2 trumpets, 2 horns, 2 trombones, euphonium, and tuba, in three movements

I. Prelude

II. Chorale

III. Time

This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in 1997.

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Woodwind Quartet  (1996)  17:00

for flute, oboe, clarinet, and bassoon (or B-flat Bass clarinet with low C extension); in four movements.

I. March

II. Lament

III. Chorale

IV. Rondo

This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in 1997. It had its Texas premiere Abilene in 2012.

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Compline for violin and piano  (1996)  5:10

This piece is dedicated to all those that pray the Divine Office.

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Waltzophone  (1995)  2:15

for solo instrument and piano

This piece is a tribute to Gustav Mahler, one of my compositional heroes.

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Fugue  (1995)  2:20

This piece cleverly combines quartal and quintal elements in a serial manner. It is arranged for the following groups:

Oboe, clarinet, bassoon

Oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet

Soprano sax, alto sax, tenor sax

2 violins and cello

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Fanfare for Four Trumpets  (1995)

This piece was written for trumpet players in the studio of George Recker, my trumpet professor at the University of Oregon. It was premiered at the School of Music graduation ceremony in 1996.

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Miniature Dance Suite for flute, viola, and harp  (1994-95)  6:30

in three movements

I. Prelude

II. Sarabande

III. Estampie

This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon, in January of 1996.

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Organ Preludes  (1994-2001)

No. 1 based on Agnus Dei for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin (Cum jubilo)

No. 2 based on Veni, Veni Emmanuel

No. 3 based on Alma Redemptoris

No. 4 based on Ryrie for Feasts of the Blessed Virgin (Cum jubilo)

No. 5 based on Pange lingua gloriosi

No. 6 based on Stabat Mater

No. 7 based on O Filii et Filiae

No. 8 based on Of the Father’s Love Begotten

No. 9 based on Jesu dulcis memoria

No. 10 based on Creator alme siderum

No. 11 based on Victimae Paschali Laudes

No. 12 based on Veni Creator Spiritus

These preludes are based on the plainchants listed below. Preludes 11 and 12 were commissioned by Dr. David Eaton, former Assistant Professor of Organ, Hardin-Simmons University. The complete collection is published by Zimbel Press: http://store.subitomusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2616

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Piano Sonata No. 1  (1993‑94)  12:06

in three movements; arranged for wind ensemble as “Three Sketches on Jonathan”

I. Whirling Dervish

II. Night Sighs

III. Mischief

This work was inspired by my son when he was a toddler. It was also inspired by my love of the music of Ravel. It has a number of impressionist strands and requires virtuosic skill to perform it satisfactorily. It was premiered in Eugene, Oregon.

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String Quartet No. 1  (1992-93)  23:20

in three movements

I. Adagio – Allegro

II. Andante tranquillo “Ode”

III. Moderato sostenuto

This piece was premiered in Eugene, Oregon. It is tonal, lyrical, and quite expressive.

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Two‑Part Invention for violin and cello  (1992)  2:56

The opening of this piece was written during a faculty meeting in which my mind was starting to drift. It is energetic, tonal, and, perhaps, a bit too Bach-like; but, I keep it in my oeuvre because it is so much fun. It awaits its premiere.

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Fanfare and Prelude for trumpet and organ  (1992)  2:09

for trumpet and organ

I wrote this piece for myself and the organist at my former parish church. We premiered it at an Easter Vigil service. I also performed it again in Eugene, Oregon. It is rhythmic, tonal, and stately.  

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Lied for solo instrument and piano  (1987)  4:03

arranged for B-flat, C, and E-flat instruments

Like the name implies, a song for solo instrument and piano in the style of the Romantic era. It is one of the earliest complete pieces I have ever written.

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