Serenade Movement IV: Dance ii

Serenade Movement III: Waltz

Serenade Movement II: Dance

Serenade Movement I: Slow

KALEIDOSCOPE EYES

HayWire

HayWire Premiere (University of West Georgia Wind Ensemble)

Grosso Blue for Clarinet Trio and Wind Ensemble

Grosso Blue for Clarinet Trio and Wind Ensemble (Carrollton High School Wind Ensemble)

Hurry. (Demo)

Imaginarium for Glockenspiel and Vibraphone

Icarus (iii. Elegy [Sunset])

Icarus (ii. Hubris of Flight)

Icarus (i. Rise)

The origins of this piece come from a moment in my life where I had the most doubt in myself. I was severely depressed and couldn't really handle the stress that was in my life. However there was a person who helped me out that darkness; this person would later become my sunshine... Sunshine is my ode to the sun and and the many colors it can show throughout the world. The beginning displays the brightest of the sun at its infancy filled with hope and promise. The 3/4 section is filled with more happiness and vibrant energy. Soon the tone shifts to a more passionate and intense color; the music begins to move in a forward direction until we reach a moment of bliss and peace. The colors shift to a lighter tone and a more relaxed approach. Finally, the ensemble brings out all the motifs to give the piece its colorful conclusion. This is Sunshine.

Sunshine (World Premiere)

When I read the poem The Old Astronomer to His Pupil, two lines stuck out the most: 

Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too truly to be fearful of the night.

Those lines are the basis of this tone poem. Heaven at Night is a piece centered on the idea of acceptance toward the unknown- the ability to not be afraid of what comes next. Past the darkness of death there is Heaven and at night it is at its most beautiful.

Heaven at Night

Cerulea (Rhode Island Recording Ensemble)

This is NOVA a fanfare for Wind Ensemble. Performed by the University of West Georgia Wind Ensemble.

Nova- University of West Georgia

Limitless Movement Two Belief

Astral Planes (Demo)

RIPTIDES explores the fears of life and the fear of the unknown with the setting of the ocean. The beginning represents the call to the sea by the flute. As the piece developes into the melody, the color becomes distorted by the danger surrounding and from there the energy shifts into a frantic thrill ride. The piece is decorated with dissonance, glissando techniques and textures that are completely different from the texture I use. In the middle of the piece, there is a mermaid call- representing the alluring qualities of dangers and fear; as the call grows, fear lurks the listener and we return to the frantic nature of the piece. The piece is build off of eccentric percussion like the conch shell horn, ocean drums and thumb rolls on the timpani and bass drum. Finally the piece reaches the climax of the piece as the listener goes to the deepest part of the unknown- however, unafraid and bold, the listener continues the journey to go further- past the point of music and into another unknown.

RIPTIDES (UCF Concert Band)

Katahj Copley, composer

If you're interested in playing some of these pieces or have any question, email me at KatahjC@gmail.com

Katahj Copley

Popular tracks