The full cast of the world premiere performance of “Ruth” in June 2018.
Ruth: The Musical
In 2018, my first full-length musical was premiered in my hometown of Morton, IL to an amazing crowd of over 1,000 people! Ruth was the result of seven years of on-and-off sketching, writing, and editing that finally culminated in an incredible performance. After the premiere’s initial success, two follow up shows, also performed in concert-style, were scheduled and performed in September 2018. The central Illinois based opera company, MIOpera, was due to give Ruth its fully staged premiere in Spring 2020, but these performances were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about the show, or to check out my podcast recounting the show’s conception and production, visit the official Ruth website.
Appalachian’s Dance - In the spring of 2022, I composed this piece for full orchestra based on prompts from the students in the Central Illinois Concert Orchestra. Everything from the style, the form and structure, and even the title came from the students themselves. The piece was premiered in April of 2022. The original melody was based on a short instrumental piece I had composed after hiking part of the Appalachian Trail in 2012. It was a lot of fun to dust that melody off and give it a full orchestra setting.
String Quartet No. 1 - This piece is one of my proudest accomplishments. Mainly because it was performed by the Boston String Quartet when they visited Morton High School in 2016. I first began sketching this piece during my freshman year at Illinois Wesleyan, and I eventually finished it and had it performed at IWU for a Student Composition Recital. When the BSQ agreed to perform original works by my Composers’ Guild students, I couldn’t help but ask if they would work this piece into their program as well. They graciously agreed, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their interpretation.
The Angel’s Christmas Carol - This was my first work for full orchestra and choir, and I composed it for a Christmas Festival in my hometown in 2010. I wrote the piece originally for piano and voice, but I expanded the orchestration for this event.
Piano Sonata No. 1 in G Minor - I wrote this piece for my senior recital at IWU. I challenged myself to write the entire piece by hand, which I am proud to say that I accomplished. I truly feel that this approach really allowed me to concentrate on the finer details of this piece, and because it was for my senior recital, I tried to emulate many of the composers I admired in this work. You will hopefully hear homages to Chopin, Brahms, Bach, and Beethoven as this piece unfolds.
Brass Quintet No. 1 in C Major - This piece was also written for my senior recital at IWU, and I dedicated it to the faculty. I was deeply inspired by Michael Kamen’s brass Quintet, as performed by the Canadian Brass on their Magic Horn album, and if you are familiar with that piece, you will definitely notice the resemblance. I think it was writing this piece that made me realize how much I appreciate listening to and composing slower pieces.
Belize - I wrote this piece upon returning from Belize in the spring of 2011. This piece is meant to commemorate the personal transformation that trip played in my life at that point in time, and I was honored that my good friend and cellist, Alex Kim, agreed to record this piece with me.
The Helmsman - This piece showcases my songwriting ability. The lyrics are inspired by a personal letter of correspondence between C.S. Lewis and one of his fans. I continually find myself referencing the words in conversation, and I believe the message is one that will remain impactful for years to come. My brother, Dan, sings with me in this recording while I accompany on the piano.