Symphonic Works

Ascension was conceived during auditions for leadership with the Florida State University drumline, also known as the “Big 8.” As a part of the audition, those auditioning were asked to perform an exercise that uses the rhythmic motive, which starts the beginning of this work. As auditions continued, one student after another, there were those few measures with a motive that just stuck in my head. I leaned over to my colleague after several students and said, "I can write a piece using these few measures", and here we are.

FANFARE for Winds and Percussion is epic in nature with rhythmic excitement with an energetic tempo, which should be enjoyable by the audience and those performing it as well.

This work is full of rhythmic excitement with some form of classic flare, which embodies the overwhelming personality and career of Dr. Julian E. White, Distinguished Professor of Music (ret.), Florida A&M University.

From graduation, prom, senior trips, musical performances, and more, their senior year has been less than ideal due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Life puts us in difficult situations where barriers need to be broken, and many of times these barriers are out of our control. But with friends, family, and music we can always encourage each other to keep Breaking through…

This work was commissioned by Mae Weiss, and the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.High Intensity is an exciting and energetic work that can be used as a concert opener or closer.The opening motif is based on a tune that my two-year-old daughter sings around the house, asshe runs like a future Olympian.

This work is full of energy from beginning to end with a driving tempo and rhythmic ideas. Imagine yourself running through a forest under a moonlit sky, chasing shooting stars as they travel through the Earth’s atmosphere. The chase is one of joy and excitement! Running between the trees, jumping over logs and branches while trying to keep up with the stars. Although we may never be able to keep up or catch them, the Night Chase is always worth it.

Just Vibe! (A Taste of Culture)


This work is constructed for an ensemble of 16 wind players and 3 percussionists. Just Vibe!, represents a taste of the African-American culture with ideas, such as musical licks similar to groups like Earth Wind and Fire/Heatwave, grooves heard in 1990’s hip-hop, and even unique chordal structures from current artists like Anderson.Paak. Using a rhythmic ostinato set in the first two measures this work carries energy (hype/chill) from beginning to end. Sit back, enjoy, and Just Vibe!

Subtitled "An Everglades Adventure" this piece features a driving tempo with exciting rhythms and a melody that all young musicians will enjoy

Subtitled "Love's Unknown Story" this is a dramatic and strong piece with great emotional presence. This composition presents a change of pace for your concert.

Lots of melodic material coupled with great rhythmic drive makes this an exciting piece for both the band and the audience. The Spanish feel is shown in both the slow and fast segments of the piece.

This features the tunes We Shall Overcome and a trumpet solo on Amazing Grace.

This is a great opener for your program. This could also be used as your concert finale.

This features multiple tempos and the use of 12/8 in the quicker sections. Great melodies, excitement, energy are all shown in this composition.

Legends of the Galaxy (A Cosmic Fanfare) is a heroic journey from beginning to end!

This exciting work depicts the lively and sunny nature of the state of Florida.