**Consortium performance by Justin Weis (euphonium) and Sophia Lo (vibraphone) at the University of North Texas**

CYCLES is the result of a consortium for tuba and vibraphone (and a version for euphonium and vibraphone) written in memory of Dr. Doug Whitten, professor of tuba and euphonium at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. The consortium was led by tubist and former student of Doug, Johnathan De Soto Jr. CYCLES consists of two movements. The first movement, “The Gifts that Life Brings”, was inspired by the stories I was told by those who knew Doug, describing him as kind, accepting, selfless, loving, among many other things. This movement also represents Doug’s love for tuba, and music in general, by revolving around an ethereal chord progression and melody that develops and transforms over time. The second movement, “Embrace the Grind” is up-tempo and energetic, representing Doug’s love for cycling and roller derby. It also contains a slower, more flowing B section, as if momentarily stopping a cycle ride to admire the beautiful Kansan sunset.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p25/CYCLES_%282022%29_for_Tuba_%28or_Euphonium%29_and_Vibraphone.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

CYCLES (Euphonium and Vibraphone version)

A native Michigander whose music has been described as "high energy", "innovative" and "very thoughtful and concise" (International Tuba and Euphonium Association), Dr. Ian Lester (b. 1994) is an award-winning composer, euphonium player, and teacher holding a Doctorate degree in euphonium performance and Master’s degree in composition from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where he also previously received his Master's degree in euphonium performance. Ian received his Bachelor’s degree in euphonium performance and pursued additional composition studies at Oakland University in Michigan. Ian’s works have been performed and recorded by soloists, chamber ensembles, wind bands, and brass bands at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Fort Myer, and many universities and recital halls around the world. Notable achievements include winning the 2016 U.S. Army Band Tuba-Euphonium Composition Competition, receiving the 2018 Oakland University's Outstanding Student in Composition award, winning the 2018 North Texas Euphonium Quartet Composition Competition, the 2021 Mirari Brass Quintet Call for Scores, and the 2022 UMKC Composition Competition, being selected to attend the 2021 Julius String Quartet EMERGE Solstice Composition Workshop, along with winning both the inaugural 2023 North Texas I.T.E.A. Chapter Composition Competition and the 2023 I.T.E.A. R. Winston Morris Award for excellence in tuba/euphonium ensemble composition.