Keeping Busy!

When I had started my last semester of my masters, I had hoped it would be a rather easy going semester so I could concentrate on my doctorate applications, my course work, and teaching my theory class.  Luckily, and unfortunately, life has its own path for each of us to take.  After being selected as the winner of the UNR Composition Competition, I received an email from a man needing music for a commercial he was putting together for his own degree, I was contacted by a good friend to write some music for his upcoming film, and I had to keep my obligations to the Artemisia Chamber Ensemble.  For the latter I composed a piece for the majority of the ensemble and vocalist.  Based on the poem Sleep by Eduard Moerike, it focuses on the last few stages of being awake before falling asleep.  I also included a brand new solo violin piece that I composed for my friend J Adam Gus Weaver for their smaller "Coffee Shop Series" of concerts.  The film music is a little trickier, not just because it is one of the first times that I have had to write a piece to film, but also because I am feeling rather blocked when it comes to writing the music.  And finally, the commercial music was rather simple.  Just 90 seconds for an inspirational piece and a piece to depict fear.  Luckily, the man loves the music!  And if these obligations weren't enough, there were rehearsals with the UNR Wind Ensemble as they prepare for the North West College Band Directors National Association Convention coming in March and a rehearsal with Eric Whitacre (more on that to come in the coming week) in which I am playing piano.  But I also wanted to post a picture of the poster showing the UNR Honors Concert!  I was able to attend a few rehearsals and the orchestra is doing a wonderful job! This concert will be a great concert not just for me but for my friend Ben Prima and the orchestra.  I am very excited and cannot wait to post about the responses following the concert!