First movement of "Warrior Princess" (working title - not affiliated with Xena). The music is inspired by the story of Princess Pingyang.

This movement was originally meant to be the entire work itself, and was initially called "The Sword and the Maiden." It was written in 2013.

Warrior Princess, Part 1: Daughter of the Nobleman

Second movement of "Warrior Princess" (working title - not affiliated with Xena). The music is inspired by the story of Princess Pingyang.

Of the three movements, this one is the least complete. It was written on June 13, 2021 and has had no editing work done since the initial draft.

Warrior Princess, Part 2: Rise of the Rebellion

Third movement of "Warrior Princess" (working title - not affiliated with Xena). The music is inspired by the story of Princess Pingyang.

This piece was written on June 21, 2021 and is nearly ready for publication.

Warrior Princess, Part 3: Army of the Lady

An appealing three movement original. Movement 1 is titled Tempest and has a Celtic dance-like character. Movement 2, Far From Home, is quiet with a sad feeling of longing for home while the third movement, Devil's Dream, lifts the spirits with a lively Irish jig.

III. Devil's Dream (from 'Country Dances') - Greg Danner

Woodwind Quintet No. 3: Atlantic Adventures (2009) is a six-movement suite for Wind Quintet about a journey across the Atlantic vie pirate ship.

II. Captain Peg Leg and His Parrot- This movement depicts the atmosphere of a ship as the captain limps around yelling out orders, of course with the parrot squawking happily over his shoulder. The parrot flies around the ship’s mast before returning to the captain’s cabin, in which the captain shares his dream of finding lost treasures.

Atlantic Adventures II. Captain Pegleg And His Parrot

This is a track I created for a hypothetical Donkey Kong Country game level called "Circus Cannons." Since the characters would be riding rocket barrels in this level, the theme is a variation of the original Rocket Barrel Theme by Kenji Yamamoto.

Circus Cannons (Rocket Barrel Theme Variation)

This is a piece written for my friend Kathi on her wedding day (May 23, 2015). It is dedicated to her and Steve. Premiered at the wedding.

A Celebration Of Promise

The Kid's Sunshine March was commissioned by Lola Sutherland, director of the Pacific Union Middle School Band in Spring of 2015. Lola told me about a popular show that many of her students watched, called "El Chavo del Ocho," and asked if I could come up with a melody inspired by it's theme song, an incarnation itself of Beethoven's "Turkish March." I was happy to oblige. Upon completion of the work, I had created a piece that kicks off with Beethoven's theme, then detaches itself rather quickly, becoming more like a distant cousin yet maintaining that quirky air that the kids loved in "El Chavo." The new melody is simple, yet fun for the musicians as it is passed around to each section of the band. The end of the piece contains a few surprising modulations, something of a signature I've managed to include in all my compositions.

Recorded by the Fresno State Wind Orchestra. (Premiered on May 21, 2015 by the Pacific Union Middle School Advanced Band)


Editor's Choice at JW Pepper!
https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Kid%27s-Sunshine-March/10763102.item#.WRo_dFKZNE4

The Kid's Sunshine March

"The Sky" from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword arranged for Marching Band as a possible parade piece.

The Sky (arranged for Marching Band)

1. Luminescense
2. Iridescence
3. Obscurum
'Kaleidocoustics' is a portmanteau consisting of three Greek roots: kalós, meaning “beautiful,” eîdos, meaning “shape,” and akoustos, meaning “audible.” The title is intended to mean "beautiful shapes of sounds."
Luminescense is a state of light, one that often appears vibrant and beautiful, especially against a dark backdrop. The first movement is vibrant, colorful, and striking in the same way a kaleidoscope often is, and includes a tasty palette of dissonant intervals. 
Iridescence is a shimmer of colors that often appears on bubbles, bird feathers, and even bugs. The colors you see will change, depending on the angle you are viewing from. The second movement is fittingly calm, somewhat abstract, and even a little surprising. 
Obscurum is a Latin word that means 'darkness.' In the final movement, the dark shift in tone is abrupt and intense, as if being chased by something obscure and unseen. A few of the middle sections have a slight whimsical and even humorous shade, suggesting that the invisible force enjoys causing a bit of a excitement and panic. The movement is both a vigorous rush and a thrilling cacophony of bold timbres.

Wind Quintet No 6: Kaleidokoustics

Richard Ross Hembree

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