And so begins (hopefully) my last semester taking classes at KU. Don’t get me wrong, I still have lots left to do, such as theory projects, a recital, comps, orals, and a dissertation, but this should be my last semester of coursework. Considering that this is my 2nd semester exclusively in the doctoral program, that’s not bad. My previous year was an overlap from the Master’s degree.
It’s the end of the Fall 2006 at KU. Thus completes another semester and a couple more notches on the eventual graduation checklist. It’s been a busy semester. My first symphony had its world premiere, I received my first job invitation, and I attended the world premiere of an opera in Greenville, SC.
For those of you in Lawrence, you are invited to attend the premiere of my new quartet, titled “Nommo.” Meggi Sweeney, a senior dance major at KU, has created choreography for this three-movement piece, and we’ve been rehearsing it this week. I’m pretty excited about it, so if you’re in the area, please come see it.
When: November 30th, December 1st at 7:30 PM; December 2nd at 2:30
Where: KU, Robinson Hall, Elizabeth Sherbon Dance Theatre
The music will be live on the 30th and the 1st, and played from a recording on the 2nd.
Yes, it’s been a while since I last posted. Sorry about that. As usual, the semester has a way of getting out of control, and I’ve suddenly found myself rather busy the last few weeks.
The most recent news I have is that I completed a three-movement composition titled “Nommo.” It’s a quartet: flute, clarinet, bassoon, and cello. My friend Meggi Sweeney commissioned it for her senior dance project. The premiere performances will be on November 30th and December 1st. More details to follow.
I’m flattered. Today I received my first “invitation” to apply for a significant job. Upon checking my KU mailbox I discovered a letter bearing the seal of prestigious college. I ripped it open and discovered to my delight that it was a letter inviting me to apply for a tenure-track position as “Professor of Composition” at a small, private, prestigious, liberal-arts college in Minnesota.
It’s in! Yesterday I received a recording from the world premiere of “Persepolis.” For now, you can access the audio files on the left. See the page on “Symphony No. 1.” I have replaced the “mockups” with the live performance.
Recently I was awarded a Helianthus Commission Award from the KU New Music Ensemble. In essence, I get to write a composition for them to be premiered on their spring 2007 concert.
Ok, that title might be slightly dramatic, but it barely conceals my excitement about the world premiere of Persepolis.
Quite frankly, the performance was great. No, it was not flawless (are they ever?), but it was energetic and quite powerful. I’m pleased with the results, and have received lots of good feedback.
As promised, here is an update after the dress rehearsal of Symphony No. I – “Persepolis.” The VSU Wind Ensemble is not tremendously large, but they are good. This was the first time I heard Persepolis live, and it was monumentally beneficial for me to hear what’s been in my head for a few years now.
This morning Kat and I awoke, took a leisurly walk, then hopped on a plane to Atlanta. My good friend Daniel Swilley picked us up at the airport, and after a short 3-hour drive we made it to my hometown.
Tomorrow (Sunday) I’ll zip down to Valdosta for the dress rehearsal of Symphony No. I – “Persepolis.” As you can imagine, my excitement grows more every day in preparation for this performance. It’s quite a landmark in my career, and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity.
I’ll post again with an update after the dress rehearsal.