AWAKE! is a vibrant, edgy, challenging, and uplifting fanfare!
Program Note: I originally wrote this piece as a trumpet ensemble in 2019 after noticing that most of the chamber music composed during my time in both undergraduate and graduate school was written for woodwinds and strings. I wanted to create something different—something loud and happy. I asked the trumpet professor, “How many trumpet players do you have in your studio?” “Ten.” So, being ambitious and a bit naïve, I wrote a 10-trumpet ensemble. Later on, the ensemble was reduced to eight.
After some success with the trumpet ensemble version, I wanted to explore more impactful moments that I felt were limited by the range of that instrumentation. I then transcribed the piece for brass ensemble. To my surprise, it was later selected as one of six fanfares to be premiered by the Dallas Winds brass ensemble in 2021 (performed in 2023)! Following that and several inquiries, I decided to adapt the piece once more—this time for concert band.
During a time (2020–2024) when I often felt discouraged about composing, this piece became a constant reminder of how much I love, loved, and missed writing music. As the next step, it felt right to transcribe it again—now for concert band. This is my first band piece, and I hope it serves not only as a launching pad for future band works but also for more music in general. Musically, I’ve felt asleep—but with this piece, I finally feel AWAKE!
AWAKE! is a vibrant, edgy, challenging, and uplifting fanfare!
Program Note: I originally wrote this piece as a trumpet ensemble in 2019 after noticing that most of the chamber music composed during my time in both undergraduate and graduate school was written for woodwinds and strings. I wanted to create something different—something loud and happy. I asked the trumpet professor, “How many trumpet players do you have in your studio?” “Ten.” So, being ambitious and a bit naïve, I wrote a 10-trumpet ensemble. Later on, the ensemble was reduced to eight.
After some success with the trumpet ensemble version, I wanted to explore more impactful moments that I felt were limited by the range of that instrumentation. I then transcribed the piece for brass ensemble. To my surprise, it was later selected as one of six fanfares to be premiered by the Dallas Winds brass ensemble in 2021 (performed in 2023)! Following that and several inquiries, I decided to adapt the piece once more—this time for concert band.
During a time (2020–2024) when I often felt discouraged about composing, this piece became a constant reminder of how much I love, loved, and missed writing music. As the next step, it felt right to transcribe it again—now for concert band. This is my first band piece, and I hope it serves not only as a launching pad for future band works but also for more music in general. Musically, I’ve felt asleep—but with this piece, I finally feel AWAKE!
