Spain.  Chick Corea (1940-2021) arr. Derek J. Molacek (b. 1983)
Derek J. Molacek, Remus Webb, Conner Eisenmenger- Euphonium.
Austin Crumrine, Carl Kleinsteuber, Steven Glenn- Tuba.
Tenia Nelson- Keys.  Bobby Scharmann- Bass.  Doug Montera- Drums.

Arranged for the 2020 Great Plains Regional Conference, but postponed to the 2021 Virtual Tuba Conference.  This multi-track arrngement by Derek J. Molacek was edited in Ableton Live Intro, and recorded at home by all of the musicians involved

VTEC 2021 Submission

Spain

Original composition by Derek J. Molacek.  This rendition was recorded and edited in Ableton Live 10 Intro in 2020

Ableton Edits Trombone Jazz

Vancouver

This was a piece I wrote using Ableton Live Intro 10.  I've been working more with the DAW lately to compose with the intention of creating movie music.  The title was inspired by a friend's wedding which I was watching via livestream.

Ableton Tests 2021

Thoughts Of A Wedding

This was a piece I wrote using Ableton Live Intro 10.  I've been working more with the DAW lately to compose with the intention of creating movie music.  This would serve more as incidental music for a conversation or in the background of a scene.

Ambient, Conversation Setting

I originally wrote this cue back in 2004 for a class assignment.  We were tasked with scoring our own music for a movie trailer, and I chose this film.  At the time, my access to a good DAW with solid applicable samples was minimal.  Once I finally had one, I got this score out again to see about making some improvements to see how it would sound in a better DAW

Warriors Of Heaven And Earth Trailer

From it's first public performance:  With the Omnipotent Jazz Orchestra at my second DMA Recital.  Solos from Tom Clifton on Soprano Sax, and Lee Heerspink on Guitar

Question and Answer

Recorded By the USAF Commanders Jazz Ensemble for their 2012 Holiday Tour.

Frosty The Snowman Quiet

This rendition of "Jingle Bells" has a history dating back to when I was very young.  My dad, my uncle and a couple of his friends used to mash-up "Jingle Bells" with the University of Nebraska fight song at various events around Omaha and other parts of Nebraska.  (Football is kind of a big deal in the state.)  About 20 years ago, he wrote it out for tuba quartet, and I followed with arrangements for brass quintet, and later with this big band version heard here, played by Mike Gurciullo and his Las Vegas Lab Band.

Big Red Jingle Bells

This is the rendition of my original composition "The Omnipotent Q" as recorded by the University of Nebraska Jazz Orchestra from a live performance in March, 2016.  The tune is featured on their new album "The Good Life."

The Omnipotent Q

A piece originally written for soprano vocalist, this demonstrates classical lyrical playing of the trombone

Recording Session May 17, 2016

Mercadante Salve Maria Take 1

Brass quintet instrumentation:  2 trumpets, f horn, trombone, tuba.  The Haymarket Brass recorded January 15, 2016

Not a Recital Recital January 30, 2016

Time To Have A Fanfare

Composition modeled off of Max Bruch.  Three-piece:  viola, clarinet, and piano.  Performed Live at University of Nebraska-Lincoln Wet Ink Concerts in April, 2016.

Wet Ink April 20, 2016

Trio Number 1:  Slow and Pretty

“Surrender the Darkness” was composed last January with the intent of being performed at the 2020 Great Plains Regional Tuba-Euphonium Conference.  I chose the title largely due to dealing with my own struggles and feelings with inadequacy through navigating life, career, and relationships.  Like all of us last January, I had no idea what was looming down the road mere weeks later.  
	Even beyond COVID, this piece was reflecting some of my internal thoughts and struggles at the time:  frustrations with career direction, and in some ways feeling like I’m walking on eggshells while looking over my shoulder.  Much of this is reflected in both the rhythm, melody, and even the chord changes:  While on the surface it seems bold, it never quite moves away from its safe motivic and rhythmic boundaries.
The piece is in 5/4 with a 3-2 subdivision. The key is primarily in F minor, stressing the extended dominant VI, and VII on the fourth bar.  One of the most interesting rhythmic ideas is the emphasis on three eighth note groupings at times as opposed to the typical two and four groupings.  This stands out as a reflection of an attempt to step outside the comfort zone.

Ableton Edits

Surrender The Darkness

Jazz trombonist and composer currently based out of Lincoln, Nebraska

Derek J. Molacek

Popular tracks