saxeT was written with a request to include a melodic theme that spelled out the word "Texas". The melody is B (which is to represent T or ti), E double sharp to represent the e and x, A to represent the A and A♭ to represent the S. The idea for the piece was born of that. Texas is a vibrant state consisting of many contradictions that work together as a whole. The same is in this piece. Textures combine and are juxtaposed, colors mix in ways you don't expect, everything works together but not always fitting the way that you would like.

Orchestration: Horn and Piano

Difficulty: Advanced

Product cost: $15.00 Listing price including taxes and transaction fees: $16.80

The first movement is in a traditional sonata form with flowing and connected melodies. This movement explores the range and expressive qualities of the trombone. The second movement is the antithesis of the other two movements in the sonata. It takes traditional ideas such as fanfares and repeated figures and explores a darker more mocking side of these aspects. This movement also utilizes quarter tones and rhythmic effects to throw off the listener. The third movement is a fantasia that takes the listener through five different events with only the first and last events using similar ideas. This explores a theme involving a firey dotted rhythm that is explored and developed throughout all five events.

Orchestration: Trombone and Piano

Difficulty: Advanced

Product cost: $25.00 Listing price including taxes and transaction fees: $28.00

The first movement is inspired by the music of Sofia Gubaidulina, and her use of ratios in her music. This movement is structured around the golden mean and is split as whole by that ratio. The front section of the movement (the largest division of the mean) is further split by smaller golden ratios five times to allow this movement to develop as a Fibonacci sequence. It is further structured as a mix between a fugue and a fantasia, having a fugue theme that is interrupted by different impromptu section and many style variations. The second movement is a more traditional romantic style with a lot of freedom allowed from the performer. It is inspired by the beautiful colors that the flugelhorn can produce. It is in a traditional ABA form with a small cadenza-esque section in the middle. The third movement is in a traditional rondo format and is inspired by the music of Hindemith with fast moving themes, fast changes in the colors, and tonality. The differing sharp points and lyrical themes of this movement help to contrast the first two movements of the sonata. This movement allows for a fast and exciting ending to the whole sonata.

Orchestration: Flugelhorn and Piano

Difficulty: Advanced

Product cost: $25.00 Listing price including taxes and transaction fees: $28.00

This piece is a study in how to write and perform a set of variations in an almost etude-esque format. It is an unaccompanied solo for horn with a brief break between each variation. This was purposeful, so that the performer can make any adjustments or keep going. It explores most of the range available to the horn on a call that is idiomatic of the famous horn calls.

Orchestration: Horn in F

Difficulty: Advanced

Product cost: $15.00 Listing price including taxes and transaction fees: $16.80