Compositions and Arrangements
In collaboration with Row-Loff Productions, I am excited to announce the release of this new book of intermediate to advanced marimba solos! Click here to listen to all eight solos included in the book, and learn more about how you can get your copy!
This arrangement of "Over the Rainbow" was written during the spring and summer of 2011 for my second recital at Indiana University. It features advanced techniques and jazz harmonies inspired by Keith Jarrett. This video was recorded in May of 2025.
This is an arrangement of "Danny Boy" that I wrote in 2013. It is dedicated to Eric Sammut, and features an improvisational "variation" between the two main thematic statements. This was recorded in January of 2018. This arrangement is available for purchase through Tapspace Publications.
This arrangement was written during the summer and fall of 2018 for a former student. It is divided into three large sections, each of which is in a different key. It is medium-difficult and can be played on a 4.3 (low A) marimba. This video was recorded in August of 2020.
This piece was written with the developing marimbist in mind, but is expressive and captures a sense of joy that is satisfying for marimbists of any level. It can be played on a 4.3 (low A) marimba. This video was recorded in June of 2024.
This is a medley of three pieces: an improvisational version of the Miles Davis / Bill Evans tune "Blue in Green," followed by two hymn arrangements: "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Come Down O Love Divine." The hymns were originally arranged in June of 2012, and dedicated to Pastor Curtis Hurley. This was recorded in July of 2016. The hymn arrangement (not including "Blue in Green"), titled "The Fairview Hymns," is available for purchase from Tapspace Publications.
Here is an original solo written during the Fall of 2009. Dedicated to Kevin Bobo, "Saga" covers a full emotional spectrum and utilizes many idiomatic techniques. The piece is divided into five connected sections, titled as follows: 1. Calling; 2. Venture; 3. Contention; 4. Affirmation; 5. Realization. This video is the premiere performance of the piece, in March of 2010 at Indiana University.
This was my first published marimba solo. Written during my freshman year of college, Farewell captures the feeling of entering a new phase of life and saying goodbye, or 'farewell,' to the past. It is divided into five connected movements that each capture a different emotion associated with this process. Farewell is an intermediate to advanced work and requires a 5.0 octave marimba. This was recorded in January of 2005.
In December of 2010, the Indiana University Percussion Studio organized a special holiday-themed masterclass to celebrate the season and the end of the semester. I took this as an opportunity to arrange one of my (and the world's) favorite Christmas songs, Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song," for solo marimba. This was my first attempt at arranging a piece for marimba with the intent of performing it for an audience. In December of 2021 I recorded this updated version at Middle Tennessee State University.
This is a piece I wrote in 2014 for my final DM recital at IU. Simply titled "Dedication," it is dedicated to my parents for all their love and support over the years. It is written for marimba with piano trio. I recorded all the parts myself during August of 2018.
I wrote Becoming for Dr. Chris Combest's album of new tuba works, "Under Tennessee Skies," which was recorded in August of 2020. The music is partially inspired by the sometimes foggy but always beautiful Cumberland Plateau in East Tennessee. The title is in reference to the idea that we are always in a state of becoming - and so should take seriously each day the question, "What am I becoming today?"
Big Adventure was written for the 2017 MTSU Front Ensemble. It features a flexible instrumentation and utilizes idiomatic techniques and can be used as a fun 'lot tune' or a pop-style concert piece.
Here We Are was written for the 2021 MTSU Front Ensemble. The title is in reference to how it felt when we were finally able to return from COVID-19 quarantine and make music again. Videography by D'Antoine Newsome. Audio was recorded and mixed by Brian Mueller. Performed by the 2021 MTSU Front Enesemble
It's All Good was written for the 2024 MTSU Front Ensemble. It includes flexible instrumentation and features improvised solos from members of the rhythm section. Videography by D'Antoine Newsome. Audio was recorded and mixed by Brian Mueller. Performed by the 2024 MTSU Front Ensemble.