Some people say I suffer from an overactive imagination. That is not true. I don’t suffer from it at all. I enjoy every minute of it. I remember being in English class in high school, and learning about classical plays. Mrs. Eggburn (my fantastic 11th Grade English teacher) mentioned the “Deus Ex Machina,” or “God…
My musical tastes are wildly eclectic. One moment, you might find me enjoying Beethoven’s symphonies and the other you might find me head-banging to Iron Maiden. I have never been a musical snob and I value and love the entire array of sounds, rhythms, and textures that the world of music, in all its forms,…
Imagine that every day holds the possibility of hope. Imagine that every day holds the possibility of goodness and love. Imagine that every day holds the potential for creation. These are the ideas that spawned Earthdawn. This works paints the picture of a lush landscape that begins to wake as the first rays of sunlight…
Sometimes, music is not “about” anything. It exists solely for the beautiful sounds it creates and the emotions derived from that aesthetic experience.Where Words End… falls firmly into this category of music. This expressive piece makes creative use of the ranges and colors available for young bands to create a truly remarkable new work for…
Sound the alarms! This bombastic work will make an exciting addition to your next concert and keep your students motivated from rehearsal to rehearsal. Searing dissonances, tri-tones, and syncopated rhythms have been utilized carefully to create a challenging, yet achievable piece with active parts for all players. Sure to be a hit with musicians and…
This unique and highly aggressive work was inspired by the heavy metal bands of the 1980s. Capturing the driving rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and savage sense of musical motion, this “heavy metal overture” relies on percussion and orchestrated power chords. Wow! Published by FJH Music Click here for score
This spirited concert march portrays the lighthearted, mischievous nature as well as the flowing and graceful beauty of this wonderful creature, the red fox. Vibrant Spanish harmonies and the buoyant 3/4 time signature give this march a decidedly stimulating and exotic character. Published by Alfred Music Click here for score
With its title originating in one of the most poignant, nostalgic lines of text in the Irish folk song “Danny Boy”, Standridge has created a dreamily beautiful setting of this beloved song, accessible to young bands. A number of scoring elements elevate this approachable work to a higher musical plane, including a unison clarinet section,…
“March of the Arachnids” is the second movement in the composer’s “Garden Suite”, following “Frogs” from 2018. This strikingly original march is perfect for any performance venue, and is a fantastic way to teach your students how to play in fast 6/8. Published by Grand Mesa Music Click here for score
This overture was written in memory of Dr. John Wacker, former Director of Bands at Western State University in Gunnison, Colorado, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on his way to playing a gig on his trumpet in 2014. Many aspects of Dr. Wacker’s personality are reflected in Legacy Overture, including his…