Stories and Inspriation
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I love to travel and spend time outdoors, especially photographing flowers and natural landscapes. Those moments of observation — color, texture, light, and motion — often find their way into my music, shaping how I think about form, pacing, and orchestral color.
If you’re curious, you can see some of that visual inspiration here:
News
Forever Golden Premiere posted December 6, 2024
Forever Golden Premiere
Forever Golden Premiere
This was SPECIAL! Over the summer, I was commissioned by the band director at Henryville High School to write a piece to honor the enduring legacy of Inez Hardee, a beloved graduate of Henryville High School. She has been a steadfast presence in their community over the past seven decades, cheering on sports teams, supporting their various ensembles, and spending countless hours preparing food and supplies for students. Last night, I got the honor to meet her as the band premiered the work. Big thank you to Natalie Humble for letting me be a part of your community in this very special way.
New Works Published posted August 18, 2024
New Works Published!
New Works Published!
NEWS RELEASE FROM BAND MUSIC CENTER USA:
Our new ‘Band Kickstart Series’ is the brainchild of educator and composer Daniel Dorsett, developed and perfected with his own middle school band in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Each piece in the Kickstart Series includes three flexible wind parts, plus parts for timpani, melodic percussion, and a variety of untuned percussion instruments.
Say It Again Premiere posted April 7th, 2024
Say It Again
Say It Again
On April 7, 2024, the Circle City Orchestra, under the baton of Elliot Lentz, premiered my new work for orchestral strings, Say It Again. This lyrical and slow-paced composition is deeply personal, exploring the emotions of missing a loved one and the longing to express those simple but profound words, “I love you,” one more time.
The Circle City Orchestra, a non-profit, all-volunteer ensemble of dedicated musicians from the Indianapolis area, brought this piece to life with incredible sensitivity and depth. Before the performance, I had the privilege of engaging with the audience in a brief discussion about the inspiration behind the piece and its emotional core (as pictured). It was a unique opportunity to share how the music serves as a reflection of loss and love, connecting with the universal human experience.
Let's Enjoy the Ride Premiere posted October 2, 2023
Let's Enjoy the Ride Premiere
Let's Enjoy the Ride Premiere
Dr. Jon Noworyta, the University of Indianapolis Symphonic Wind Ensemble, along with Michael Richardson and Cameron Papandria and the Perry Meridian High School Concert Band gave an excellent performance in their premiere of my new work, "Let's Enjoy the Ride".
Indiana Ambassadors of Music European Premiere posted July 5, 2023
First Flight Premiere
First Flight Premiere
The last two weeks I traveled across Europe on staff with the Indiana Ambassadors of Music. Along with seeing the incredible sights of London, Paris, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, the band premiered a new work I wrote specifically for this trip, First Flight. Here is our performance in Rothenberg -lots of fun with really wonderful students!
IMEA Professional Development Conference Premieres posted January 4, 2023
Enjoyed two wonderful premiere performances at Indiana Music Education Association Professional Development Conference 2023!
Audio and scores found here: Mischief and Suttons Bay
Sound Ecologies Orchestra Premiere posted November 19, 2022
My work, Casting Shadows, was premiered by the Sound Ecologies Orchestra as part of a collection of premieres from composers across Indianapolis. So wonderful to hear what my peers are creating! Big thanks to Luke and Charrisa Garrigus and their work with Sound Ecologies.
Indiana Wind Symphony Premiere posted August 26, 2022
Lovely outdoor concert to premiere my piece, Bottle It Up, with the Indiana Wind Symphony. Big thank you to the IWS musicians and Dr. Charles Conrad!
Bottle It Up IWS Recording posted August 21, 2022
Wonderful time recording my piece, Bottle It Up, with the Indiana Wind Symphony -such incredible musicians and fun people! Huge thanks to Andrew Muth, Director of Bands at Westfield High School, for setting up and running the recording.
Fanfare Band Excelsior in the Netherlands posted July 18, 2022
While in Europe, I attended the Ammodo Conducting Masterclass with Fabio Luisi and the Concertgebouworkest, visited the Adams percussion headquarters and “drum world”, and heard Swiss alpine horn players. Most exciting of all was rehearsing my new composition, The Kite, with the Fanfare Band Excelsior in Dalfsen, Netherlands. The ensemble was a joy to work with and hear! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n4cjvu-0Bw
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School Premiere posted May 19, 2022
What a fun evening! The St. Maria Goretti Catholic School beginning and intermediate band rocked the premiere of my piece, Storm the Castle. Additionally, it was a K-8 school wide performance night, and Bob Kachur is doing amazing work up in Westfield! Go band!
Frostburg State University Percussion Ensemble Premiere posted April 27, 2022
Commissioned by the FSU Percussion Ensemble, Beneath the Surface is a short percussion quartet that develops several melodic ideas within a polyrhythmic structure. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnhCsME2j7w
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