"Debris Field" takes inspiration from the suspicious activity and various accounts of extraterrestrial flying saucers near Roswell, New Mexico in the 40s and 50s. Flannigan uses unique sounds and creative compositional techniques to contrast an ‘otherworldly’ atmosphere with rich keyboard textures and exciting rhythmic punctuation to take the audience on a captivating journey from start to finish.

Debris Field (Perc Ens 14) - Jessica Flannigan

Commissioned by the DDG Oboe Trio in 2013.  This is easily one of my favorite pieces to date.  My goal was to highlight the full expressive range of the oboe and English horn within this intricately woven setting, from the bright and sunny first movement, the mournfully sweet second movement, to the driving, dance-like third.  

The Featherlight Ballet

Buy the music here: https://buymeacoffee.com/wesstephenh/e/388011

Ping Pong Pas De Deux is a minuet and trio that uses simple arpeggios and scalar patterns as the basis for its harmonic and melodic material. The hands switch roles often, imitating dancers in a pas de deux. This effect is mirrored in the piano preparations visually through the use of ping pong balls on the strings. 

Performed by Mairi Louisa McCabe

Ping Pong Pas de Deux

2016 performance by University of Missouri Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Brad Snow.

Summoning Fire

Premiered via livestream on August at Carmoor on August 6, 2020

Conor Hanick, piano
Sandbox Percussion

Recorded and mixed by Mike Tierney

Don't Look Down

Commissioned by the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation in 2009 for winning the Sinquefield Composition Prize.

01 Motive and Reflection

 Wes Stephens' (b. 1983) award-winning compositions have been performed internationally by organizations and ensembles such as the Boston Metro Opera, Bespoke Brass, and Duo Harpverk. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri (Master of Music, 2009) and Missouri Western State University (Bachelor of Science in Music Education, 2007). 

Ping Pong Pas de Deux

Wesley W. Stephens

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