World Premiere on October 14th at Central Michigan University

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Mayhew - Burning Away (2018) PREVIEW

World Premiere on October 14th at Central Michigan University

RSVP TO THE MCI-ZENITH COLLABORATIVE CONCERT TODAY: www.facebook.com/events/700232507013590/

Prisms For Saxophone Quartet

Day - Converging Spectrums (2018) PREVIEW

Trentadue - Bread and Circuses (2018) PREVIEW

Thomas - Missoula (2018) PREVIEW

Written for Front Porch Ensemble: WORLD PREMIERE December 11, 2019 - McIntosh Theatre, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
© 2019 - C.L. Shaw Music; uploaded with permission by the composer

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PROGRAM NOTES (written by Conner Leigh Shaw)
In 2017, there were over 23,686 oil wells in Weld County, Colorado, which was one of the highest numbers in the United States and the highest in Colorado. Colorado's reliance on fossil fuels to power our economy has been detrimental to citizens' health, community safety, and the precarious climate future. As well, it is just the latest trend in Colorado history of an industry that relies on so-called "boom and bust" economics that provide only temporary prosperity. Before oil and gas, it was radioactive materials during the Cold War, water resources at the turn of the 20th century, and before this silver and gold. In every era, the resources eventually disappeared, as well as the economy eventually falling regionally.

This piece conveys the frightful move to economic and ecological ruin that is happening once more in Colorado. The number of oil wells in Weld County as of 2017 (23,686) as a central pitch collection, combined with a demonic bluegrass sound, demonstrate the horrific ecological choices occurring right now that I consider part of a contemporary "boom." In "sub-movement" two, I use the letters from the words "oil" and "gas" translated to notes as a further apocalyptic pitch collection.

At two points in the piece, I depart from the cataclysmic soundscape to impart the sounds of the high prairie crying out, as well as the marvelous potential of a world beyond fossil fuels. As the work progresses, the bluegrass theme decays and then collapses into a heavy-metal sound representing the fear of a non-guaranteed climate future.

After the last uplifting moment, the sounds of an acoustic rendering of an oil jackpump is heard, which to my mind and ears, shows what sounds will be heard in Northern Colorado if this oil "boom" continues past the point of climate death.

This piece is dedicated to Front Porch and all of the bold musicians that are willing to confront climate change.

Conner Leigh Shaw: b00m and bust (2019)

Written for Front Porch Ensemble: WORLD PREMIERE December 11, 2019 - McIntosh Theatre, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
© 2019, Duncan Petersen-Jones - uploaded with permission by the composer

Duncan Petersen-Jones: seeping into the pure water (2019)

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MCI Composers (Millennium Composers Initiative)