Programme Notes:
The movement of the school; unison as they reign about the ocean. A single look on the school of barracudas might indicate that they represent a graceful, elegance, or jolly atmosphere. On another side, based on the painting, it seemed to be portraying the darkness that lies within, through the pale blue colour of the sea and the shade of black at the bottom of the painting as the sunlight no longer reached the deeper parts. Moreover, these fierce looking predators hunt smaller fish, but sometimes goes for the bigger ones. Paired with sharp teeth, they surprise their prey through speed bursts, making sure their prey does not have room to escape. 

This composition has 2 contrasting sections, the first depicting the school of barracudas and their uniform movements. The opening consists only the piano playing the main theme as the school emerges from the distance. The choice of melody and chord progression was to reduce the solid foundation towards either major or minor key, it shifts in between these two with modes, extended harmony, and chromatic mediant modulations. Major key would not fit the description of the predatory barracudas while a diatonic minor key would be an exaggeration towards the barracudas’ dance and unity. For the most part, the piano plays a series of arpeggios and broken chords; perfect for describing the flowing movement of each singular barracudas as a single element. Usage of the left pedal or una corda to change the tone colour fits the supressed sound when being under the sea.

As opposed to the first section, the second part has more tendency towards the diatonic
minor, as well as a more lyrical melody. This section is more about the individual characteristic of the barracuda; its fierce, predatory, and speed actions when hunting its prey. The rhythmic section is a sort of cadenza for both the kalimba and violin. This climatic building also narrates the event of a prey nearing its end as the barracuda. Percussive kalimba enhances the energy and excitement of this section.

After the coda, comes the repetition of the main theme, similar to the opening of the
piece but this time to describe the barracudas swimming away, disappearing from sight as they continue to roam other parts of the sea.

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Borneo Ensemble
Violin: Lee See Ling @ Grace
Kalimba: Neo Nai Wen
Piano: Tham Horng Kent
Conductor: Lee Chie Tsang Isaiah

Recordings by Yii Kah Hoe
Mixed and Mastered by Yii Kah Hoe

Swift Predators by Euler Edwin Majanil (excerpt)

Victoria 3 (Original Game Soundtrack)

Remembering Prince Albert

Victoria 3 - Melodies for the Masses (Original Game Soundtrack)

Trader Of Hope

Etude for pipa solo

Dappled Shade By the Window I (2023, 7)

New Summer at Mount Mogan

Rogan K. Tinsley, a composer, improviser, ethnomusicologist, and artist, draws inspiration from a diverse array of cultural and musical traditions. Born and raised in Northern Idaho, Rogan's Kanaka Maoli heritage from the island of Oahu fosters his passion for music that transcends boundaries and celebrates the profound human connection to ancestral knowledge. As a fourth-generation Hawaiian musician and skilled jazz saxophonist, Rogan skillfully merges genres, a talent exemplified in his work as saxophonist for the globally acclaimed singer-songwriter, Vika.

Currently studying music composition major at Washington State University, Rogan draws inspiration from his ethnomusicological interests. His compositions fuse indigenous musical concepts with contemporary perspectives on land and life. His varied experiences demonstrate leadership and a dedication to collaboration. Rogan currently serves as a producer and music curator for Northwest Public Broadcasting's jazz service. Additionally, he holds the lead alto saxophone position in the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, playing a vital role in revitalizing the legacy of indigenous contributions to jazz music.
Rogan's passion for knowledge and cross-cultural understanding is profound. He spent an extended period living among the Kenyah peoples in Borneo, diligently recording and transcribing traditional songs. This immersive experience forms the foundation of his pending research on the sampe' boat lute, Keringut Ndong (nose flute), and the Kedirek' (mouth organ).

Beyond research, Rogan composes original works that incorporate indigenous wisdom with contemporary musical perspectives on land and life. He actively contributes to the musical community as Vice President of WSU's jazz society, organizes engaging recitals, and collaborates with a diverse range of musicians. Rogan's impressive performance history includes opening for Tony Bennett and contributing to recordings with notable artists and ensembles.

Borneo Ensemble
Turali/Bungkau: Najmie Hafizan 
Violin: Lee See Ling @ Grace
 Viola: Lim Zi Shian
Kalimba: Neo Nai Wen
Piano: Tham Horng Kent

Conductor: Lee Chie Tsang Isaiah

Recordings by Ong Yuan Shun
Mixed and Mastered by Ong Yuan Shun

Kinabatangan (excerpt) by Rogan K. Tinsley (USA)

Instantaneous Response

Moirai

Wind in Motion, Light in Flow

Han Qiao (乔瀚), a composer, pianist, and Morin Khuur player, is currently pursuing studies in composition under Prof. Xiang Min at the Central Conservatory of Music. His creative inspiration stems from the interconnectedness of sound and its subtle nuances. This inspiration manifests in his compositions, which incorporate Mongolian musical elements and have been performed in Inner Mongolia, Beijing, Chengdu, and other locations. Demonstrating a commitment to the advancement of new music, Han Qiao founded the "Laboratory of Contemporary Music" in 2022. This initiative successfully hosts concerts showcasing new works, as well as seminars and discussions. Notably, his solo piano piece "Pen-Ink" was awarded third prize in the "Xinghai Cup" First Chinese Style Piano Composition Competition. Additionally, his chamber music work "Deconstruction of Images" received the Third Prize in the 19th China-Chengdu "Sunshine Cup" Students' New Music Composition Competition.

Borneo Ensemble
Turali/Bungkau: Najmie Hafizan
Violin: Lee See Ling @ Grace
Viola: Lim Zi Shian
Kalimba: Neo Nai Wen
Piano: Tham Horng Kent

Conductor: Lee Chie Tsang Isaiah

Recordings by Ong Yuan Shun
Mixed and Mastered by Ong Yuan Shun

Wind Song (excerpt) by Han Qiao

Etude for pipa solo

Han Qiao 喬瀚

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