Shut Out

A commission consortium for a 7 minute Grade 4 Wind Band piece about being a disabled person who doesn't quite fit into society.
Lead by:
Dr. Stephen Meyer, Director of Bands at Northern Arizona University
Dr. Amy J. Bovin, Interim Associate Director of Bands at Texas A&M Kingsville.
DEMO Recording of some highlights from the piece
Instrumentation: standard band- parts in () are optional
Piccolo, Flutes 1-2, (Oboe), (English Horn), Bassoons 1-(2), Clarinets 1-3, Bass Clarinet, (Contra-alto Clarinet), Alto Sax 1-2, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpets 1-3, (Flugelhorn), Horns 1-2, Trombone 1-2, Bass Trombone (playable as 3rd trombone), Euphonium, Tuba, Timpani, and three percussionists: Snare Drum/Vibraphone, Tom-toms/triangle, Bass drum/suspended cymbal
Shut Out, is a Grade 4 piece about being a disabled person and being “Shut Out” of society. This is by no means an exclusive experience to disabled people but is rather a message through this lens. The piece uses a repeating rhythmic structure (that represents society), with melodic lines above and around it which do not always fit in (representing disabled people). The repeating structure and the melodic material are constantly at odds, with the melody never quite being able to fit in until the third section. This is when I give a glimpse into what it could be like for many people, including disabled people, if society were more kind and inclusive to everyone and if we could put in the work to make that happen. I started this consortium because I am really passionate about this message, and think that it would be awesome to use my voice to bring attention to this day-to-day life for many.
Consortium Amount: $75 (invoiced from and paid to NAU Bands)
Consortium Details: Due date to join and delivery date are both August 1st, 2022. Exclusive performance rights from August 1st- May 31st, 2023. Ensemble name and conductor will be included in the score and each consortium member will receive parts, score, and full demo recoridng. There is also an option to have me visit for the performances, pending availability and funds (more information in the contract).
Are you interested? Fill out the google form!
Please also see this contract.