This unique collection presents nine concise musical excerpts originally conceived as vocal warm-up exercises and harmonic studies. Each miniature, typically spanning three to four measures, has been thoughtfully arranged to serve multiple purposes, bridging the gap between vocal and brass ensemble practice.
While the original designations suggest various vocal combinations (male quartet, mixed voices), these pieces are particularly well-suited for brass ensembles, adaptable to combinations of horn, trombone, and other brass instruments. Each miniature features careful harmonization that leads to satisfying resolutions, making them equally effective as warm-up exercises or short performance pieces in group settings.
The collection culminates in an expanded arrangement (19 measures) of the beloved "Silent Night" melody, enhanced by the ethereal tones of the celeste, providing a contrasting finale to the preceding miniatures.
Of historical note, the fifth piece in this collection has enjoyed a unique legacy, having been performed and recorded with lyrics as a radio program opener, marking its singular journey from practice piece to broadcast feature.
These versatile miniatures offer:

Flexible instrumentation adaptable to both vocal and brass settings
Concise yet complete musical statements
Practical application for warm-up routines
Opportunities for ensemble precision and blend
Rich harmonic progressions with satisfying resolutions

Whether used in their entirety or selected individually, these pieces serve as valuable tools for both educational and performance settings, offering musicians the opportunity to explore harmony, blend, and musical expression in compact, accessible forms.

Nine Musical Miniatures

What's On in March 2025

This month we catch up with Wendy from Berkshire Music Trust to talk all about the mammoth Junior Music Festival at the Hexagon, featuring hundreds of pupils from local schools, and about the great work they do to help youngsters sing, learn instruments and generally learn to love music. Plus our other highlights of the month – birthday bonanzas, choral singing and the most unique tribute band you'll ever see...

WHAT'S ON READING MAR 25

- Part Pianist, part composer, part poet, part IT technologies technician/programmer, 100% musician. -

Otoniel Rojas is a Dominican pianist and composer celebrated for his unique fusion of classical music with the rich rhythms of his homeland. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he was immersed in a vibrant musical environment from an early age. His father, an accomplished musician, served as the principal flutist and later as the piccolo player in the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, instilling in him a profound appreciation for music.

At just seven years old, Rojas began his formal music education at the National Conservatory of Music, initially focusing on the violin. Simultaneously, he nurtured a passion for the piano, teaching himself to play and developing exceptional sight-reading abilities. His prodigious talent quickly became evident as he accompanied his father in numerous public performances, church services, and television appearances across his native country.

Determined to refine his pianistic skills, Rojas pursued formal piano instruction, excelling in performance, counterpoint, music theory, and solfège at the conservatory. Despite his musical successes, he briefly explored an engineering career at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). However, his unwavering dedication to music led him to resume his artistic journey.

Seeking broader horizons, Otoniel relocated to the United States to study at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York—a hub for international students and a springboard to esteemed institutions like Juilliard. Under the mentorship of acclaimed pianist Agustin Anievas, a celebrated American classical pianist known for his recordings of Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Under Anievas' tutelage, Rojas flourished, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance, earning the distinction of Cum Laude. His exceptional musicianship was recognized when he won the conservatory's piano competition, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the college orchestra.

Deeply involved in the college's musical community, Rojas participated in chamber music ensembles, served as a piano accompanist, and sang in both the specialized chamber choir and the conservatory choir. He expanded his compositional skills under the guidance of Robert Starer, an Austrian-born American composer known for his contributions to contemporary classical music. His collaboration with the university's ballet program led to his composition "A Passing of Time" being incorporated into the ballet's repertoire, which was performed internationally by the university ballet in Prague.

To further diversify his expertise, Rojas studied conducting with Karoly Kope, chamber music with Stoddard Lincoln and Marion Feldman—a distinguished cellist and professor at New York University—and delved into music history under H. Wiley Hitchcock, a leading authority on American music.

Upon returning to the Dominican Republic, Rojas continued to compose and perform. He was commissioned by the Sinfónica del Cibao to create "Mozartina," an orchestral piece that masterfully intertwines traditional merengue rhythms with themes from Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony. The work features the tambora, a traditional Dominican percussion instrument, symbolizing a fusion of his classical training and cultural roots. "Mozartina" premiered with the Sinfónica del Cibao and was later performed in a revised version by the National Symphony Orchestra in Santo Domingo under the baton of Caonex Peguero, a prominent Dominican violinist/conductor/composer.

Today, Rojas continues to share his music with audiences worldwide. Through platforms like SoundCloud and published sheet music, he brings a unique blend of classical and Dominican musical traditions to listeners and performers alike. His journey reflects a lifelong dedication to music and a commitment to bridging cultures through his art.

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