Performance by the Oakland University Trumpet Studio

Written for 6 B-flat trumpets and 1 B-flat bass trumpet, Fanfare for the Isolated Human was commissioned in early December of 2020 by Jennifer Oliverio for the Oakland University trumpet studio and premiered virtually on April 10th, 2021 for the final round showcase of the Trumpeter's Multi-Track Competition. 

At the time of composing this work, the COVID-19 Pandemic was still raging throughout the world with tragic outcomes such as death, prolonged illness, financial hardship, and much more. For musicians and other artists, live performances were limited, and at times, even non-existent. This work is in a basic ABCA rondo form, each section defined by a certain pandemic-related scenario or thought (i.e. the grocery store frenzy of part I or the persistent question of when will things go back to normal in part III).With melodies and rhythmic motives constantly trading off within the ensemble, and solo passages in the bass trumpet and the top three trumpets, each of the seven parts have vital roles in bringing this work to life.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p11/Fanfare_for_the_Isolated_Human_%282020%29.html

Copyright © 2020 Ian Lester

Fanfare For The Isolated Human (world premiere performance) - for trumpet ensemble

Premiere performance by the UMKC Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble

Centralia is a work for tuba/euphonium sextet that is inspired by Centralia, Pennsylvania - an old mining town that has had a fire burning underneath the municipality since 1962. The original cause of the fire is still debated. There are caution signs posted around the city warning of the risks of walking or driving through the town, as the ground is considered unstable above the blaze. As of 2017, Centralia has a population of five, making it a barren ghost town which some consider a gateway to hell itself.

Sheet music available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/centralia

Copyright © 2021 Cimarron Music

Centralia (world premiere performance) - for tuba/euphonium sextet

**World premiere performance by the Bowling Green State University Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble**

Four Personalities was commissioned by David Saltzman and the Bowling Green State University Tuba and Euphonium ensemble in late 2019. The work consists of four movements, each one representing a different personality or affection:
I. Empathetic – Lush and peaceful, this movement represents someone who always there to help and comfort others, even if it is at the expense of their own health and wellbeing. The first euphonium is featured with a plaintive introductory first melody and an emotion-driven second one that soars above the ensemble.

II. Twisted – A more cynical and maniacal section that blazes along with an aggressive main motive in mixed meter and winding rhythmic passages that snake throughout the ensemble. This movement represents the worst of humanity.

III. Pleasant – A meditative, Debussy-inspired tuba solo, this movement represents a thoughtful, kind, and patient individual. Lightly scored quintal and quartal accompaniment set the scene for the solo tuba, which provides easy-going and contemplative melodic lines that fluctuate between an introspective, quieter mindset and a more extroverted and welcoming one.

IV. Night Owl – Consisting of a rhythmically driven fast introduction, a rapid-fire dance featuring the first euphonium, a slower, reflective section with additive texture, and a return to the dance material, this final movement represents the hyper insomniac who goes for joyrides at 3:00 AM on the empty, misty city streets.

Sheet music will be available soon through Cimarron Music.

Copyright © 2020 Ian Lester

Four Personalities I. Empathetic - for tuba/euphonium sextet

Four Personalities III. Pleasant - for tuba/euphonium sextet

**World premiere recording by Ian Lester (euphoniums) and Brandon Thibault (tubas)** 

Eternal Light was composed in 2020 in hopes of providing optimism during one the darkest and most tumultuous times the world has ever seen. This work for tuba quartet features interlacing warm melodies between the two euphoniums with constant support from the two tubas. Eternal Light was recorded and mixed remotely during the pandemic and the final recording was premiered virtually as part of Ian's 2020 MM euphonium recital.

Sheet Music Available Here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/eternallight

Copyright © 2020 Cimarron Music

Eternal Light - for tuba quartet

Performance by Patrick Yeh

Hindsight was written in 2021 as part of a consortium led by Taylor Hicks. The work revolves around the saying “hindsight is 20/20”, an expression that in this instance, refers to how humanity might look back on the year 2020, including the COVID-19 Pandemic and the turbulent and constant social and political unrest that swept through the United States. Hindsight is written in an arch form (ABCBA) with slight deviations within the following three main sections: 1. The Empty Streets, 2.Pandemic Pandemonium, 3. March.

Consortium Members:
Taylor Hicks (Lead Commissioner), John Szkutko, James O’Connell, Chasse Duplantis, Kevin Fenske, Dr. Jesse Orth, Thomas G. Stein, Nick Beltchev, Steph Frye-Clark, Walter Hicks, Nathan Gay, Alexander Lapins, Edward Shaw Jr, Tim Schachtschneider, Jonathan Jarman, Patrick Yeh, Drew Leslie

Sheet music available here (euphonium version also included): https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p9/Hindsight_%282021%29.html

Copyright © 2021 Ian Lester

Hindsight - for tuba and fixed media

Alexander Guilmant's Morceau Symphonique for trombone and piano performed by myself on euphonium and James Li on piano. This performance was part of my 3rd DMA recital at UMKC in April of 2022.

Morceau Symphonique - Alexander Guilmant

Performance by myself on euphonium as part of my 3rd DMA recital at UMKC in April, 2022.

Hindsight was written in 2021 as part of a consortium led by Taylor Hicks. The work revolves around the saying “hindsight is 20/20”, an expression that in this instance, refers to how humanity might look back on the year 2020, including the COVID-19 Pandemic and the turbulent and constant social and political unrest that swept through the United States. Hindsight is written in an arch form (ABCBA) with slight deviations within the following three main sections: 1. The Empty Streets, 2.Pandemic Pandemonium, 3. March.

Consortium Members:
Taylor Hicks (Lead Commissioner), John Szkutko, James O’Connell, Chasse Duplantis, Kevin Fenske, Dr. Jesse Orth, Thomas G. Stein, Nick Beltchev, Steph Frye-Clark, Walter Hicks, Nathan Gay, Alexander Lapins, Edward Shaw Jr, Tim Schachtschneider, Jonathan Jarman, Patrick Yeh, Drew Leslie

Sheet music available here (tuba version also included): https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p9/Hindsight_%282021%29.html

Copyright © 2021 Ian Lester

Hindsight (Euphonium version)

Recording by The Troubled Euphs (recorded by Patrick Yeh)

The bullet train system, or Shinkansen, is a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan first opening in 1964. With a maximum operating speed of 200 mph, and even faster speeds achieved in test runs, bullet trains are certainly an impressive example of technological advancements and innovation of transportation. Bullet Train for euphonium trio begins with a sparsely orchestrated introduction, representing the train sitting idle at the station. The momentum quickly picks up in pace with polyrhythms and interlocking melodic lines. The fast tempo and driving nature of the piece continue non-stop all the way until the final chord.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p6/Bullet_Train_%282021%29.html

Copyright © 2021 Ian Lester

Bullet Train - for euphonium trio

**WINNER OF THE 2023 ITEA R. WINSTON MORRIS COMPOSITION AWARD**

World Premiere performance by the UMKC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble

LIMINAL SPACES was written in early 2022 for Thomas Stein and the UMKC Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble. Liminal spaces are often described as unsettling, yet nostalgic locations frozen in time that are transitions between two other places, realms, or states of being. This work consists of five distinct movements, each inspired by five specific pictures (included in the score) that conjure up the feeling of liminality.

I. A Dimly Lit, Worn-down Alley on a Humid, Lonely Night
II. Running Down Endless Green Hills Below a Cloudless Sky
III. A Familiar Hotel Hallway with a Buzzing Ice Machine a Few Doors Down
IV. A Quiet and Foggy Morning on a Snow-covered Suburban Street
V. Party at the Roller Rink

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p2/LIMINAL_SPACES_%282022%29.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

LIMINAL SPACES - for tuba/euphonium octet

Don-Paul Kahl, saxophone

Recorded Live at University of Missouri - Kansa City Conservatory of Music and Dance, White Hall.

www.donpaulkahl.com
www.ianlestermusic.com

DOUBLETROUBLE was written in late 2021 for Don-Paul Kahl. This work depicts an argument within one’s mind. The soloist essentially converses with themselves via suddenly changing tessitura, dynamics, techniques, tonality, style, and overall atmosphere. After a brief introduction, DOUBLETROUBLE consists of two contrasting sections – a groovy, technical portion, and slow, contemplative one, with both sections stated twice. The piece ends with the sound fading into nothingness, as the mind is finally at peace.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p5/DOUBLETROUBLE_%282021%29.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

DOUBLETROUBLE - for solo baritone saxophone

*World premiere performance by the Crossroads Contemporary Ensemble.

Summer Night, Winter Storm consists of two main ideas. The first is a slow plaintive section representing the charm of a breezy summer night with lush textures and interlocking rhythms creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The second idea conveys a chaotic winter snowstorm, beginning with a flurry of fugue-like passages that are interrupted by the "Summer Night" material, which refers to the "false spring" the Midwest United States often experiences. The storm then returns, growing in intensity by way of a semi-improvised guitar solo. The work ends with the blizzard reaching its maximum power. To match the dynamics of the other instruments, it is recommended that the acoustic guitar be amplified for performances of this work.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p15/Summer_Night%2C_Winter_Storm_%282021%29.html

Copyright © 2021 Ian Lester

Summer Night, Winter Storm - for flute, euphonium or trombone, violin, and acoustic guitar

Recording by Shea Socrates, Kyle Marker, and Steven Prevett

It Waits Beyond the Window was commissioned by my good friend Shea Socrates in April of 2020 and is loosely inspired by a recurring childhood nightmare that I experienced as child. This nightmare included waking up within the dream and seeing a woman's bloody, grotesque face pressed up against the bed-side window and hearing her scream with rage at the top of her lungs until the nightmare finally ended. I musically convey common tropes of nightmares, such as trying to run away but not getting anywhere, false "wake-ups" within the dream, and a sense of calm only to be interrupted by sudden terror through a balance of consonant and dissonant harmonies, varying melodic material, a wide range of dynamics, tempos, meters, and articulations, and the use of extended techniques.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p23/It_Waits_Beyond_the_Window_%282020%29_-_for_Guitar_Trio.html

Copyright © 2020 Ian Lester

It Waits Beyond The Window - for guitar trio

Recording by The Troubled Euphs (recorded by Patrick Yeh)

Franz Schubert’s well-known lied is based off of the poem Erlkönig by Johann Wolfgang Van Goethe. The story depicts a father riding through a forest on horseback carrying his son home. The son repeatedly complains of the Erlkönig or Elf King who is whispering to him, trying to take him away, but the father suggests what the son is experiencing is only the wind and “old grey willow gleaming”. By the time the father realizes what is truly happening, it is too late. The son dies in his arms, having been taken by the Erlkönig. 
As a self-proclaimed fan of horror and all things spooky, I have always adored this composition for its ominous tone, story, and sound, as well as its use of text painting. Here, I have arranged Erlkönig for three euphoniums. The iconic eighth note triplets originally in the piano part representing the galloping horse are present throughout the entire work, constantly being passed around between all three euphoniums. The roles of father, son, and Erlkönig are also passed around the ensemble, with expressive markings indicating which character is speaking.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p24/Erlk%C3%B6nig_%282022%29_-_Arranged_for_Euphonium_Trio.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

Erlkönig - arranged for euphonium trio

**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)

Premiere performance by the UMKC Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble

NGC 7320 was written for Dr. Lee Harrelson and the UMKC Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble in early 2023. NGC 7320 is a spiral galaxy located within a group of galaxies called Stephan’s Quintet but is not considered a true member of the quintet due to it being further away than the rest of the Quintet’s galaxies. I was inspired to write this work after learning about Stephan’s quintet from my friend Evan. The piece gives NGC 7320 a personality; given its exclusion from the Quintet, it is lonely and unheard, eventually becoming angry and resentful at the other galaxies, culminating in a gigantic cosmic storm. This storyline is depicted through a slow pondering A section with SATB, choral-like melodic and harmonic writing, and an opposing aggressive, angular B section in 12/8 time with clashing harmonies, driving rhythms, and bombastic melodies.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p26/NGC_7320_%282023%29_-_for_Tuba_Quartet.html

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

NGC 7320 - for tuba quartet

World Premiere performance by the Troubled Euphs

EXTRAORDINARY TUNNELS is a three-movement work for euphonium trio that was inspired by three European tunnels that traverse through gorgeous landscapes and scenery:
I.	The Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland): With a route length of 35.5 miles, the Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world’s longest railway tunnel. The Gotthard Base Tunnel runs through the Swiss Alps. This magnitude and beauty of the Alps is conveyed through exciting and angular melodic and rhythmic material, mixed meter, and metric modulation.
II.	Halnaker Tree Tunnel (England): While only 1.5 miles long, the Halnaker Tree Tunnel (Mill Lane) in West Sussex, England is a footpath that has sunken down over the years, leading the surrounding lines of trees to curve over the path. The resulting scenery looks like it came right out of a fairy tale. Dreamy textures and melodies and polyrhythms portray the magic of this tunnel.
III.	Combe Laval (France): Combe Laval is an 18.56-mile-long road with a series of tunnels carved into the cliffs of the French Alps tucked away in Southeastern France. An energetic, polyrhythmic introduction leads into heroic solo passages and a driving finale.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p28/EXTRAORDINARY_TUNNELS_%282023%29_-_for_Euphonium_Trio.html

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

Extraordinary Tunnels - for euphonium trio

Performance by the Troubled Euphs

Against All Odds was written for the Troubled Euphs euphonium trio in late 2022. The work was inspired by the many cases throughout history of people surviving the seemingly un-survivable. Two specific instances that came to mind were the separate stories of Kamel Abdel Rahman and Phineas Gage. Both were impaled through the head in horrific accidents yet survived against all odds.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p32/Against_All_Odds_%282022%29-_for_Euphonium_Trio.html

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

Against All Odds - for euphonium trio

Performance by the Troubled Euphs

A setting for three euphoniums of the Gorgeous Irish folk song of the same title. In this arrangement, the main melody gets passed around between the three performers before increasing in speed and intensity with a British Brass Band-inspired "Joyous" development section. The piece ends with an ethereal restatement of the main melody.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p33/Carrickfergus_%282022%29_-_Arranged_for_Euphonium_Trio.html

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

Carrickfergus - arranged for euphonium trio

Recording by Brendan Ige on the CD "Carnival of the Animals: A Dichotomy of Music" available on Brendan's Bandcamp site and all major music streaming platforms.

HOG WILD! was commissioned by Brendan Ige in the Summer of 2022. The objective of the commission was to create a virtuosic, flashy piece for Brendan that pushed the limits of what is possible on the tuba. HOG WILD! is meant to be comedic, mocking virtuosity for the sake of virtuosity. HOG WILD! requires highly advanced range, flexibility, technical abilities, dynamic and tempo control, constant attention to articulation, meter, and rhythm, and the ability to execute several different types of extended techniques. Given the difficult nature of the piece, the tonal centers are kept in relatively “easy” keys.

Sheet Music Available Here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p20/HOG_WILD%21_%282022%29_-_for_Solo_Tuba.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

"Carnival of the Animals: A Dichotomy of Music" on Brendan's Bandcamp: https://brendanige.bandcamp.com/album/carnival-of-the-animals-a-dichotomy-of-music

℗ 2023 Brendan Ige

HOG WILD! - for solo tuba

Premiere recording by Brent Mead.
Recording engineer/mixing/mastering by Ben Baker 

S0c1AL was written in 2022 for Brent Mead as part of his grant-based project to commission several new works for trombone that all were to relate to issues, disorders, and traumas that many people face. The project is aimed towards younger people in an effort to show through music that these negativities in life can be dealt with and managed in a healthy way, and more importantly, to show that there are others who have faced similar obstacles; you are not alone. S0c1AL deals with the topic of social anxiety, a type of anxiety disorder, that many people, including myself, struggle with to some extent. Social anxiety is persistent and makes it difficult to do things such as meet new people, develop new relationships, and attend social gatherings. Furthermore, someone with social anxiety may fear that they are being judged by others and feel helpless to control these feelings. S0c1AL is a through-composed work that consists of three main thematic sections:

I. There are Almost 8 Billion People on This Planet, yet I Feel so Alone: This first section portrays the constant pendulum of emotions associated with social anxiety. One is fearful of being around others, yet simultaneously yearns for friendship. This inner conflict is represented frequent shifting between “bright” and “dark” melodic and harmonic structures in both the solo trombone part and the backing track. Optional pedals used: Reverb, Octave, and Delay.

II. Risk with a Side of Self-doubt: This movement represents the anxiety, fear, and questions that arise when approaching someone new: “What should I say? What if they think I’m weird? Do I make small talk?” Optional pedals used: Overdrive and Chorus.

III. Free: Finally, this optimistic movement represents the relief and weight off the shoulders when one successfully makes a new friend. Optional pedals used: Reverb.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p34/S0c1AL_-_for_trombone%2C_fixed_media%2C_and_optional_guitar_pedals.html

Copyright © 2022 Ian Lester

S0c1AL - for trombone, fixed media, and optional guitar pedals

**Winner of the 2023 North Texas I.T.E.A. Composition Competition**

Recording by Justin Weis (euphonium), Blake Lile (tuba), and Shin-Yuan Chang (piano).

In Scottish, Northern English, and Manx folklore, the First-foot is the first person to enter one’s household on New Year’s Day and is seen as a bringer of good fortune for the coming year. First-foot was inspired by this tradition which is still practiced in Scotland, the Isle of Man, and various parts of Northern England. I appropriately began composing this piece on New Year’s Day of 2023 after stumbling across the Wikipedia page on First-footing through one of my favorite Instagram accounts, Depths of Wikipedia. I immediately knew that this work should be optimistic and exciting, reflective of my own feelings beginning the new year. Written in an ABCA form, First-foot begins with a grooving, celebratory piano motive in the right hand before being joined by an even groovier, syncopated bass line melody in the left hand. These two initial statements are the musical foundation for the entire work. The tuba and euphonium soon enter with interlocking melodic material, with each instrument taking turns having the lead and emerging from the chaotic texture. A reflective and quieter B section follows, as if one is reminiscing on the highs and lows of the previous year. An anxious, metrically unstable C section follows, with almost every measure switching meter. This segment represents the widely-known feeling of anxiety when realizing there might be financial, personal, work related, or other issues still unresolved from the previous year. However, the piece ends with a recapitulation of the optimistic A section (with slight alterations and changes), which represents setting New Year’s resolutions and improving oneself.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p36/First-foot_%282023%29_-_for_euphonium%2C_tuba%2C_and_piano.html 

Copyright © 2023 Ian Lester

First-foot

My performance of Mesto, the second movement from Tom Davoren's Concerto for Euphonium and Wind Orchestra, accompanied by the Benedictine College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Tom Davoren. 

Notes from the composer:

"The second movement, Mesto, takes inspiration from the emotional character of the movement of the same name in the Third Symphony of James Barnes. The melody is shaped from vague modality...drawn from the found in Latin American popular music."

Concerto for Euphonium, ii. Mesto - Tom Davoren (Ian Lester, Benedictine College Wind Ensemble

My performance of Ritmico, the third movement from Tom Davoren's Concerto for Euphonium and Wind Orchestra, accompanied by the Benedictine College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Tom Davoren. 

Notes from the composer:

"The third movement, Ritmico, is a rondo-like, concerto finale. As is typical of the genre it is virtuosic and in compound time, but recalls previous material as an apotheosis."

Concerto for Euphonium, iii. Ritmico  - Tom Davoren (Ian Lester, Benedictine College Wind Ensemble

NIGHT GLOW is a Grade 3 work for wind ensemble commissioned in the Fall of 2023 by Dr. Joe Parisi and the Roeland Park New Horizons Band and was premiered on their Holiday concert in December of the same year. NIGHT GLOW takes inspiration from the idea of fusing together two separate songs that come from different holidays and religions: The classic Christmas carol “Silent Night” and the liturgical Jewish hymn “Ma'oz Tzur”. Both works are significant to their respective holiday and religion, and I felt that using “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” in a wind ensemble setting could provide a meaningful and enjoyable piece for bands to perform, especially on holiday concerts. NIGHT GLOW begins with a gentle slow section, containing subtle references to “Silent Night”. The main thematic material passes from the woodwinds to the low brass, who along with timpani and bell-toning higher brass, gradually build in dynamics as more instruments continue to enter the texture. After a climactic fortissimo chord, a flowing tenor saxophone solo leads into a celebratory fast section containing references to “Ma'oz Tzur”. After a lyrical clarinet solo and a chorale-like trombone soli that begins to call back to “Silent Night”, the piece ends with a joyful finale that features sections and fragments of both “Silent Night” and “Ma'oz Tzur” being played simultaneously throughout the band.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p40/NIGHT_GLOW_%282023%29_for_Wind_Ensemble.html

NIGHT GLOW

Premier performance by Ian Lester, euphonium, and Lois Kaarre, piano, at the 2017 Oakland University Composers Concert at Oakland University.

Inspired by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Mountain Silence is a brief slow melody for solo euphonium and piano accompaniment. The piece begins with a calm conversation between the soloist and pianist that soon evolves into a soaring melody in the euphonium before dissipating to an ethereal close.

Sheet music available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/mountainsilence

Copyright © 2018 Cimarron Music

2017 Composers Concert

Mountain Silence - for euphonium and piano

World Premiere performance of "Reaching Nirvana" performed on November 21, 2017 at Varner Hall, Oakland University by the Oakland University Wind Symphony.

Reaching Nirvana is a work that is meant to represent the transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self. The piece begins with a peaceful slow section, containing a rapid-fire, three-note motive that reappears throughout the work. This motive represents the blissfulness and tranquility associated with the state of Nirvana and a succeeding hymn-like section brings to life its potential religious implications. A  fast, middle section evokes a feeling of joy and excitement while the strict sense of rhythm expresses a sense of control. The piece ends where it began, "re-birthing" the original thematic material, arriving at a resolute final chord: The arrival at nirvana.

Sheet music available here: https://www.ianlestermusic.com/store/p14/Reaching_Nirvana_%282017%29.html

Copyright © 2017 Ian Lester

November 21, 2017 Concert

Reaching Nirvana - for wind ensemble

**Required Repertoire for the ITEC 2023 euphonium and electronics competition final round**

Necroterror was inspired by the synth-heavy soundtracks of 1980's zombie movies. I have always been a fan of horror movies and the soundtracks that help being them to life, with the first one to grab my attention being George A. Romero's Day of the Dead (1985). This is my homage to horror movies along with George A. Romero, who passed away in 2017.

Performance by Dr. Richard Demy

Sheet music (w/backing track) available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/necroterror

Copyright © 2018 Cimarron Music

Necroterror - for euphonium and fixed media

Performance by Zach Collins and the IUP Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble at their 2019 OcTUBAfest.

"Grind" was written for the UMKC tuba and euphonium ensemble in late 2018 and was premiered at ITEC 2019 at the University of Iowa. It is meant to represent the constant moving and turning of clock gears. The piece begins with the first tuba introducing the rhythmic foundation with the rest of the ensemble joining in to create a driving composite rhythm. Brief moments of jarring interruptions slice through the otherwise subtle, minimalist material. Euphonium and tuba features follow, with the lyricism of the two instruments being showcased. A powerful triple-forte segment then transitions into a tranquil, chorale section led by the tubas. Quick fragments of the original material lead into a recapitulation of the beginning that slowly diminishes until the clock ceases to tick.

Sheet music available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/grind

Copyright © 2018 Cimarron Music

Grind - for tuba quartet

Performance by Irving Ray from his Euphonium and Electronics recital as part of the Musicians Without Borders Military on May 8th, 2021

Written In 2019 for Irving Ray of the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band, “Neon Dream” is a work for solo euphonium and electronics. It draws inspiration from laser tag arenas and attempts to convey the excitement and adventure that comes with them, as well as the nostalgia experienced by adults who grew up going to these establishments.

Sheet music (w/backing track) available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/neondream

Copyright © 2020 Cimarron Music

Neon Dream - for euphonium and fixed media

**Winner of the 2018 North Texas Euphonium Quartet Composition Competition**

Recording by the North Texas Euphonium Quartet on their CD "Machines", available on ITunes and Spotify. 

"Reminiscence and Death Machine" is a programmatic work that consists of two distinct, unrelated sections. The first, "Reminiscence", portrays the healing process after losing a loved one and the idea of moving on after the loss, yet, always holding onto the positive memories you shared with this person. The second section, "Death Machine", recounts the true story of Marvin Heemeyer, who, outraged over the outcome of a zoning dispute in his hometown of Granby, Colorado, went on a rampage through town in a heavily modified bulldozer. Several buildings were damaged, including a bank, a hardware store, a concrete company, a utility service center, the town hall, the police department, and a former mayor's home. After 2 hours and 7 minutes, Heemeyer’s reign of terror came to an end when his tank became stuck attempting to navigate through an alley. Surrounded by police and with no way of escape except for prison, Heemeyer ended his own life.
 
Sheet Music Available Here: https://euphonium.com/products/lester-reminiscence-and-death-machine-1

Copyright © 2018 Pinnacle Brass.

Reminiscence and Death Machine - for euphonium quartet

Performance by Louis Setzer from his "Alone with Trombone (from your home) recital.

Light Years Away is a work for solo trombone and fixed media that is the result of my ever-growing desire to expand my compositional horizons. I wrote this work in 2016 during my undergraduate studies at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. I knew right off the bat that I wanted to write something space themed and I ended up deciding on trying to convey the flood of emotions and adrenaline astronauts probably feel as they blast off from earth in a shuttle.

The work revolves around an energetic syncopated quarter note and eighth note motive first stated by the soloist in their first entrance, expanding as the piece progresses, before exploring an exhilarating B section. A brief Cadenza leads into more new material before ending with a thrilling reprise of the original theme.

Sheet music available here: https://www.cimarronmusic.com/lightyearsaway

Copyright © 2020 Cimarron Music

Light Years Away (world premiere performance) - for trombone and fixed media

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.

Popular tracks by Ian Lester