Here are some works that are available or soon to be released by Grand Mesa Music Publishers  (www.grandmesamusic.com), Bandworks Publications(www.bandworkspublications.com) or self-published through J.W. Pepper! (www.jwpepper.com/myscore/BrianDrake)

NOW AVAILABLE!

V is a concert suite inspired by the works of Kurt Vonnegut.  The piece is intended to capture the humor, melancholy, fantasy, and introspection often found in his novels and stories.  

I. Hapless Hero establishes a main character; a man whom, like many of Vonnegut’s heroes is the center of unwanted attention.  The movement explores an awkward melody shared among the various instruments of the ensemble.  Often the melody is placed in precarious tessituras of the instruments creating a sense of strain of instability.  Vonnegut’s main characters are often out through a strand of events that transfigure their perspectives.   To emulate these trials the melody is reset throughout the movement, and can be heard from multiple perspectives all at once. 

II. Unstuck frolics within the farcical mood of Vonnegut’s fiction. Vonnegut’s satire often examines the views of free thinkers, conformists, and authority.  Taking a cue from these views, Unstuck involves three separate motives that are all trying to find their roles in the music.  As the movement begins, the first angular and absurd melody is thrown around the ensemble symbolizing conformity. Next a more lyrical, almost out-of-place melody is introduced symbolizing free thought.  No sooner does it gain momentum before the lyrical melody is squelched by the first angular tune.  As the movement continues, the two melodies attempt to co-exist by overlapping in the texture.  Little by little, more voices enter, including the “hero” melody from the first movement. As the texture becomes unreasonably cluttered, a third melody enters in the mallet instruments: a dissonant siren, symbolizing authority. Eventually all the voices climax in unison as they strike a balance with one another to end the movement.

III. Storm  represents the villainy in Vonnegut’s works. In most cases, Vonnegut did not write villains as individuals, but more often, as cultures or tyranny.  The movement begins with a melancholy motive, setting a scene of despair. As the introductory motive subsides, antiphonal bass drums and trumpets build into a tirade of chaos.  The motive re-emerges as a theme of outrage. The ensemble is thrust into a series of impacts and tantrums, as multiple waves of attacks build to the climax of the movement.  It is only in the very end of the movement that the “hero” melody barely emerges from the ordeal.  

IV. Postlude:  So It Goes is a short elegy for Vonnegut, whose life’s work entertained, awakened, and inspired so many people.  Once again, the “hero” melody is layered into the texture.  However, in this movement, the melody has transformed from an awkward melody, to a more lyrical major-based tune.  After the journey the hero has come to terms with the world around him.  Although, at the core he is still the same person, he finds a new comfort and peace in the end.  

This recording is a live performance of the Peabody Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Harlan Parker in December of 2006.

V - Suite For Wind Ensemble

Composed especially for the Winters Mill High School Wind Ensemble (Westminster, MD), With Skies Parted is inspired by the warm sonorities that Ms. Kristen Gottleib consistently creates with her students.  

The piece depicts a mild, partly cloudy day; one in which the sun spends its time peaking from behind the clouds.   Thematically, the arcing chord clusters in the mid-voices represent clouds.  As the bass support underneath changes, it gives the same theme new meanings in each presentation, like clouds changing shape.  The flutes and metallics represent stray sunbeams intermittently reaching through the clouds, until the sun finally bursts forth, warming the landscape in a full ensemble melody.

This is a performance by the University of Northern Colorado under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Singleton.   Look for With Skies Parted to be distributed by Grand Mesa Music Publishers in the summer of 2016!

15 With Skies Parted

'The Rescue' is a grade 3 concert band work released by Grand Mesa Music Publishers (www.grandmesamusic.com). Performed by the University of Northern Colorado Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Singleton.  This piece has been added to the MD @ 2016 OH state festival lists.  The sheet music can be purchased here: www.stantons.com/sheet-music/title/rescue-the/GMM353/

The Rescue

Composed especially for band director, Rachel Zephir, and the Hereford High School Wind Ensemble in the spring of 2008, ACTION! was written in the style of a blockbuster movie soundtrack. However, rather than serving as a musical backdrop to a pre-existing movie, ACTION! was composed as a soundtrack to your imagination!  Each movement is meant to evoke common images from your favorite movies.

The first movement, Main Title (Hero’s Theme), presents the opening of the movie when our hero makes his first appearance.  Although the plot’s beginnings seem uncertain, it becomes clear by the end of the movement, that our hero will be relentless in his quest to do good.

	The second movement, Love Theme, introduces our heroine.  Throughout the segment, two motives intertwine with one another, symbolizing the love shared between our hero and heroine.  A good use of flowing rubato will really enhance the imagery.

	The final movement, Evil Plot and Thwarted!, personifies our villain and his devious schemes.  Previous themes of love and heroism also make their way back into this movement, conjuring images of converging plotlines into one, final climax.  With the help of our heroine, the hero defeats the villain, saving the world from his diabolical plans!

	Mr. Drake sincerely hopes that ensembles and audiences, alike enjoy this tribute to some of his favorite movies and film scores.


ACTION!

This is a fantastic performance of the Montgomery County (MD) Junior Honor band at their Honor Band and Orchestra Gala on February 4, 2017 under the direction of Ms. Terry Alvey.  The group is comprised of 7 - 9th graders throughout the MCPS school system.

Honors Band and Orchestras Gala Concert (February 4, 2017)

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I’m a full-time instrumental music teacher that likes to create music and visual art.

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Brian P. Drake Creative Collaborations