Meet the Composer

This grant pertains to two composers, Travis Weller, Brent Fariss and their two compositions as described below:Choral Piece by Brent Fariss (approx. 15 min in length) For five voices (SAATB) also playing choir chimes, two contrabasses, and two percussionists (vibes, xylophone, snare, bass drum, cymbals). The vocalists will play the choir chimes both as a practical way to reference pitch and as an instrumental contributor to the ensemble. The piece features both traditional harmony and extended techniques. There will be emphasis on the choir listening, singing together and reacting/blending each others voices and instruments. A cycle of art songs by Travis Weller (approx. 20 min in length) For soprano, horn, viola, and two percussionists (drums and custom chromatic instruments). A piece exploring the experience of seeing something which is obscured or veiled by something else. The piece employs a constrained pitch-set driven by natural overtones of the horn and the custom percussion instruments. The custom percussion instruments include sculpted scrap steel bells and a high tension music wire harp with moveable bridges. The text is a series of 5 short poems by Dorothy Meiburg. Both pieces will be performed by New Music Co-op performers including Nick Hennies, Sarah Norris, Keith Manlove, Mikal Hart, Brandon Young, James Alexander, and Ashley Gaar. Outside performers will be recruited as needed.