Background
I’ve been interested in composing and arranging ever since I started playing the piano. As I grew up, I slowly became more and more attached to the genre of video game music. Although this may seem comical at first, one needs only to listen to the masterful works of Nobuo Uematsu or Yasunori Mitsuda to know that this genre is worthy of the same respect that we show film scores today. Much of the work I do is inspired by these two artists, other similar music, and my experiences in wind bands since 1997 or so. Thus, what you’ll hear here is far different from content on local radio stations, so make sure to keep these things in mind while listening!
Tunes
A little solo piece I wrote during the Williamsburg’s 2005 Grand Illumination ceremony, called, fittingly, “Obscured Illumination.” One of my first relatively full-length tunes with the ES 7.
[audio: Obscured Illumination.mp3]
Originally composed as a tune for pep band in 2001, I transcribed “That” into a simple electronic .mp3 format. This one’s value is much more sentimental than artistic. I’m working on a score of the piece for the William & Mary Trombone Quartet which will hopefully be completed and performed at some point next semester. Original solo courtesy of Matt.
[audio: That.mp3]
Tidbits
A few years ago, as an exercise, I composed a set of motifs designed to mimic stereotypical role-playing game theme music. One of my favorite results is a simple tune called “Eager Explorations,” written in the style of traditional ‘overworld theme’ melodies. It features a light, airy feel provided by harp and pizzicato strings. Composed on a MOTIF ES 7.
[audio:Overworld Theme.mp3]
Another video game style piece, composed in 2007, was inspired by a recent first-person shooter type game I had been playing called GunZ. I wrote a relatively plain track called “Bullet Metal” and overlaid sound effects from actual GunZ gameplay to provide a more authentic experience. Composed on a MOTIF ES 7.
[audio:Bullet Metal 2.mp3]
Soundtracks
One of the audio projects I am proudest of is this alternate soundtrack to the Kingdom Hearts 3 trailer I composed and produced. Everything you hear during this video, including the sound effects, is my work. Without a sound studio at my disposal, this video took many, many hours to complete! Surprisingly, I used Garage Band to make this video, called “Three of Hearts.”
Unfinished
One idea that’s currently on hold is a tune I’ve given the working title of “Confrontation.” It’s the introduction to what will someday be an energetic, courageous piece perfect for intermediate orchestra. It draws a tiny bit of inspiration from the successful yet simple works of Robert W. Smith (anyone who’s been in a wind band for a year or two knows “The Tempest”). The second track continues into a marimba trio section. Composed in Garage Band.
[audio:Confrontation Introduction.mp3]
[audio:Confrontation Introduction - Marimba.mp3]
A piece I’ve been working on for piano for some time I’ve recently attempted to score for an ensemble. Called “Shaky Sense,” it has the potential to be a fun pop-type song. That is, if it ever gets finished.
[audio:Shaky Sense.mp3]
