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Dragon's Breath, Op. 139 for brass quintet began as a short brass quintet fanfare as a gift to celebrate Giddings Mouthpieces 20th anniversary of making stainless steel mouthpieces, on which I played for much of my Air Force career.  Ivan, the owner of Giddings Mouthpieces, was pleased with the gesture, but with the feedback that the low brass needed to have more fun.  With that feedback and some encouraging words from Esteban Batallan, at the time the principal trumpeter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO), I went to work on this fiery piece.

The evocative title Dragon's Breath comes from a heat treatment that Ivan Giddings uses on some of his mouthpieces.  It is a title fitting of a fiery piece!  Especially in light of my family moving to Japan during the compositional process, the title is also autobiographical with dragons being a prevalent theme throughout many Asian countries.

Although trumpet parts in both B-flat and C are provided, the trumpet parts lay much more comfortably on C trumpets than on B-flat.  The technical requirements of all five parts present delightful challenges and weave a complex furor throughout the piece, even when underlying the lyrical, albeit turbulent, melodies.  Story line and imagery are left to the hearer's imagination based on everything the title may invoke.

Dragon's Breath, Op. 139 (for Brass Quintet)

Brass Quintet

Victorian Dollhouse, Op. 162, for brass quintet was completed on 5 Jul 2024.  This short piece, from its inception, simply sounded like the imagination of a precious little girl playing with an elegant Victorian-era dollhouse.  The name and imagery stuck.  It isn't difficult to imagine the scene during the brief musical illustration.  Duration: 1:30.

Victorian Dollhouse, Op. 162 (for Brass Quintet)

I grew up near the granite hills of northern Utah.  As I composed this short fanfare, the octaves in the tuba and trombone conjured images of a solid foundation for the upper brass to build on.  The imagery of a granite monolith powerfully provided a suitable title.  I pictured myself back in the mountains of my youth, standing on seemingly eternal ground that even an earthquake would have difficulty cracking.  The grandeur of that feeling of security and connection to something safe and firm is hopefully reflected in the power of the strong notes of this brief fanfare.

Pictured on the cover is "Devil's Tower" located in Wyoming.  Although not in Utah, this monolith is a dramatic specimen, worthy of the intended musical imagery of this fanfare.
The piece was composed for the student brass quintet at the University of Texas at San Antonio.  The premiere performance opened their exciting concert on December 1, 2010.  It has since been performed by various brass quintets throughout the United States, including universities and military ensembles.

Monolith Fanfare, Op. 67 (for Brass Quintet)

Musically and artistically, by trying my hand at this sacred text, I gained immense appreciation for the extant settings of "The Lord's Prayer" by history's great composers.  It is a difficult task to set text to music.

Though intended to be set for SATB choir with brass accompaniment, the creative setting that was premiered in 2000 was for four flugelhorns and euphonium.  Although it was effective, and the premiere was a success, through my many years of compositional experience since the March 2000 performance, I have become a staunch believer in the established instrumentation of the brass quintet.  Even in this publication, though, I stray from this belief by calling for euphonium in place of the trombone, if available.  If not, trombone is perfectly acceptable.  The trumpeters should perform their parts on flugelhorns.

"The Lord's Prayer" set the standard for inclusion of an original work at all of my student recitals, through my doctoral studies.  This trend endured into my years in faculty quintets and Air Force Bands.  Many concert tours included original brass quintet compositions as well as works for other ensembles.

My most enduring memory of this setting of "The Lord's Prayer" is pacing the floor with my firstborn baby, employing the recital recording as a lullaby.  It is my hope that this music will serve many people, to uplift and bring peace to their lives.

The biblical text is set in the following measures, provided for context in rehearsal and performance:

Our Father which art in heaven, (mm. 1-4, 9-12)
Hallowed be thy name. (mm. 5-8, 13-16)
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (mm. 17-24)
Give us this day our daily bread. (mm. 25-32)
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (mm. 32-40)
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (mm. 41-57)
[Instrumental interlude (mm. 58-73)]
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. (mm. 74-89)
Amen. (mm. 89-105)

(Matthew 6:9-13, KJV)

The Lord's Prayer, Op. 23-B (for Brass Quintet)

This three-movement, thematically cyclical composition began in 2006 with
  unused material originally intended for Dr. Thrower's Concerto for Trumpet.
  The opening notes of the quintets third movement, for example, were supposed
  to open Movement I (entitled Fe, or Faith) of the concerto. With too
  boisterous of a mood, however, the music gave the effect of a game show theme
  rather than a deeply religious metaphor. The beginning several measures were
  filed away, re-orchestrated for brass quintet under the title Cosmology. In
  this state it awaited its completion until the concerto was finished.
    
    
    
    Geology is a fulfilling pastime. During the time of composition Dr. Thrower
  had recently purchased a well-written Geology book with many full-color
  photographs. That book inspired hours of one-on-one time between him and his
  children, as well as some short Geological hikes in the foothills of
  Ahwatukee (southern Phoenix).
    
    
    
    The Wu Li Dance, parodying a books title, The Dancing Wu Li Masters by
  Gary Zukav, and is the major source of what Dr. Thrower learned about Quantum
  Mechanics. Wu Li is the Chinese term for Physics, and is literally
  translated as patterns of organic energy. Chinese masters of a discipline
  do not teach the subject to their students; rather, they lead the students
  to discovery and to further questionsan approach akin to dancing. The use of
  all conical instruments (flugelhorns rather than trumpets, and euphonium
  rather than trombone) augments the otherworldly affect, and provides a
  pleasing contrast to the outer movements to symbolize the perplexing novelty
  of what the human race is processing through exploring the new
  physics.
    
    
    
    Cosmology, or the study of the cosmos, is indeed one of Dr. Thrower's
  favorite pastimes. He passively collects photographs of galaxies, planetary
  nebulae, human space exploration, planets, comets, moons, and everything else
  extraterrestrial. The cover photograph of the 2017 US eclipse was taken by
  him. The third movement, "Cosmology," opens with musical pictures
  of our life-giving, average-sized, middle-aged, yellow star that we call
  Sun, and continues with an aural view of the planets and their moons,
  replete with sliding Doppler-esque motifs, with optional slide trumpet and
  trombone, that the composer associated with orbits.

Pastimes  Brass Quintet, 3 Movements

Translated from Italian, the title of this work ("Scherzo
  Serio") means "a serious joke." The jocular nature resulting
  from the multi-meter and irregular meter, punctuated by strong jabs of sound,
  makes it impossible to tap one's foot to the beat upon first hearing. The
  various sections of the work alternate between atonality and tertian harmony.
  As a whole it presents a clear three-part organization.
    
    
    
    This particularly fun and challenging two-minute brass quintet was
  completed in 2009 and premiered by the Faculty Brass Quintet from the
  University of Texas at San Antonio.
    
    
    
    MSgt Jim Bartelt (USAF, Retired) composed the majority of the percussion
  part when Gateway Brass from the USAF Band of the West toured with this piece
  in 2012.

Scherzo Serio  Brass Quintet & Optional Percussion

Jellyfish, Op. 147, for brass quintet was completed 17 Feb 2024 and posted on YouTube.  The video clips used for this video were taken at the Omaha Zoo on 26 Nov 2021 and 13 Jul 2022, and eventually, this serene music was composed to beautifully highlight the exquisite loveliness of these enigmatic (albeit perilous) creatures.  This work unexpectedly became the most popular original Thrower composition on YouTube.  The sheet music was originally intended to be published in a collection of other similar short compositions written to underscore memorable scenes and amusements from my life.  Due to the overwhelming popularity of this work, however, it needed to be released as its own publication.  Duration: 2:15.

Jellyfish, Op. 147 (for Brass Quintet)

High quality brass trios are rare. This three-movement work is destined to become standard trio repertoire with the short length of the movements, and the engaging compositional style. the work is both playable and listenable to audiences of all types. It is perfect for a Faculty Brass Trio recital. Originally composed for the Sao Paulo Brass Trio, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Three Moods, Op. 135, for Brass Trio

Brass Trio

This festive concert opener is intended to accommodate an announcer, if desired. There are two sections appropriate for the MC to introduce the ensemble, and then outline the exciting performance ahead. Based on the popular Christmas tune "O Come, All Ye Faithful," the creatively rousing brass strains are perfect for opening any brass quintet holiday performance. 
This is a must-have for every brass quintet library! Duration: 2:00

Christmas Fanfare: Concert Opener (for Brass Quintet & Opt. Perc)

This energetic, musically satisfying, one-minute fanfare was composed in
  2004 during Daniel Thrower's time serving as professor of trumpet at Brigham
  Young University-Idaho. It was appropriately premiered by the BYU-I Faculty
  Brass Quintet. "Academic Fanfare" became the theme tune for the
  Phoenix Chamber Brass, and was used to open every PCB performance for a
  number of years. Dr. Thrower was a founding member of PCB, and performed with
  them for the 2006 i 07 season.
    
    
    
    Aside from its use with BYU-I and PCB as a concert opener, the
  audience-grabbing nature of "Academic Fanfare" is extremely
  effective for announcing anything of importance, such as ceremonial openers,
  graduations, inaugurations, award ceremonies, etc. It is important to keep in
  mind, however, that in such circumstances, shorter fanfares may be more
  fitting. Throweris collection of 20 short fanfares for brass quintet is a
  must for every gigging brass quintet, available through Hickman Music
  Editions (www.HickmanMusicEditions.com).

Academic Fanfare  Brass Quintet

Park Day in Japan, Op. 153, for brass quintet was completed on 13 Apr 2024, and the YouTube video was finalized and posted three days later.  This beautiful piece of music was largely composed in my head during a family visit to Showa Park in Tokyo, Japan.  Tulip season was at its peak, the weather was superb, and the happy throngs of Japanese people enjoying the beauty of their park were inspiring.  The lovely eight-measure chord progression is reminiscent of Pachelbel's "Canon in D."  The harmonic eight-bar ostinato create a hypnotic foundation over which multiple lines at times reach a high level of polyphonic complexity, while at other times only the chords are present with simple rhythmic statement.  This composition could be used for concerts in any setting, or even as a substitute for Pachelbel's famous work if a bride and groom are tired of the cliche nuptial tradition.  Duration: 3:40.

Park Day in Japan, Op. 153 (for Brass Quintet)

Desert Excursion, Op. 158, for brass quintet was completed on 8 Jun 2024.  The videos and photos that inspired this short but compelling composition and subsequent YouTube video were all shot on 5 Jun 2023 while visiting family near the desert of eastern Utah.  Springtime in that region had been particularly wet, so the cactus flowers were in full bloom and everything that was customarily brown was green!  That glorious excursion with my wife's sister and her husband was one of the final huzzahs in America before moving to Japan for several years.  The YouTube post of the exquisite videos and pictures was finalized and published on 16 Jun 2024, reminiscing on our one-year anniversary of being in Japan.  Duration: 1:30.

Desert Excursion, Op. 158 (for Brass Quintet)

"Rising Sun" was composed as a gesture of friendship between the two great nations of Japan and the United States of America.  As a uniformed member of the Armed Forces, mine is a unique position of being able to share such a meaningful gift in an official capacity that bears great depth and meaning far beyond similar civilian cultural exchanges.

Before being assigned to Yokota Air Base in Japan, I was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.  Part of my duties as a trumpeter in the military is to sound "Taps" as part of the full complement of a fallen hero's military honors.  Among the most somber occasions of fulfilling that special privilege was on behalf of a WWII Seaman, Wesley Brown.  In 2021, his remains were identified and shipped home to America's heartland after 80 years of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Fast forward to August 6 and 9, 2023, shortly after I arrived at my new duty station in Japan.  On those dates in 1946, nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  I recorded in my journal on the 9th that my walk to work was quite sobering as I realized that my presence there was a direct result of that complicated global conflict.  With significant symbolism, Pacific Brass read "Rising Sun" for the first time that day.

After nearly 80 years, the post-war occupation has evolved to a thriving partnership most worthy of celebration.  This composition "Rising Sun" potently delivers a personalized celebratory gesture from an American Airman to all those communities we serve throughout the glorious "land of the rising sun."

In the music itself, one can picture a dim early dawn with the serene opening of the low brass trio.  The musical content is repeated more loudly, with brilliant trumpet interjections as the sun crests over the early horizon.  The music morphs and grows; varies and repeats, as it is intended to depict the subtly but rapidly changing beauties of an orange-filled sunrise.  At last, the colors fade and the new day has begun, with a full brightness of hope.

Rising Sun , Op. 132 (for Brass Quintet)

As military bands are under the leadership of Public Affairs, Airman Musicians are often the face of the Air Force to the public.  While engaging with the public we "tell the Air Force story," and are encouraged to add our own personal Air Force stories.  This exciting 4-minute piece of music "Gateway to Freedom" is a little introduction to my personal Air Force story.

When I won the audition for a position in the Air Force Bands in 2011 it fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a military musician.  Then I experienced an intense eight-week party known as Basic Military Training!  All new Airmen go through Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, which is known as the "Gateway to the Air Force."  Two reasons I chose to enter that Gateway were my patriotism toward the great United States of America, and the great benefits and security that the Air Force offered my family.
With these passions in mind, I composed a rousing musical depiction of becoming an Airman.  The composition began before Basic Training, so the excitement and anticipation that I felt are exuberantly presented as heroic fanfares and patriotic gestures.  However, I completed the composition after boot camp.  Accordingly, in the middle of the piece there are moments of struggle and anguish that musically paint the common rigors of Basic Training.  The piece ends with recapitulated heroic strains with additional flourishes, as the overall feel for this new life chapter was bound to be exhilarating and inspiring.

It is beneficial for the performers to visualize the exciting and difficult journey into the military as they prepare and perform "Gateway to Freedom."

Also a play on the title, this piece was composed for and premiered by "Gateway Brass" (the brass quintet from the USAF Band of the West) in October 2011.

Special gratitude goes to Jim Bartelt (USAF, retired) who contributed greatly to the creation of the percussion part.

Gateway to Freedom, Op. 68 (Brass Quintet & Opt. Percussion)

Several years ago, during a motivational speech by a wheelchair-bound man, Mike Schlappi, one concept stuck with me and has guided me through many difficult times.  Someone asked him if he ever "got down," and had a bad day.  "Yes," he replied without hesitating.  Then he lowered his voice with almost a stern look and replied emphatically, "But I never let a bad day turn into a bad week!"  I have tried to adopt this extremely useful and wise mantra through the many and varied "internal struggles" that life mercilessly hurls.

This composition came about after making friends with Amarildo Nascimento in 2017, the trumpeter in the Sao Paulo Symphony and Brass Trio.  He brought up the idea of a commission for the Sao Paulo Brass Trio, and I jumped at the opportunity.  A few short months after meeting Amarildo, I completed this short, difficult, symbolic trio.

The introductory turbulent feel of the work intimately involves all three players.  There is little respite for the nearly two and a half busy minutes of music.  Much interplay throughout presents an outward expression of an internal struggle.  Ultimately, the aural painting of this work intends to portray the victory of one's decision to conquer the struggle and not let a sour moment become permanent.

The opening minor tonality and near cacophony of "A Luta Interna" shifts to a more pleasant theme at rehearsal letter "B"the desire to overcomewhich quickly passes through all three parts.  That positivity is fought off tumultuously until "D", when the positive material returns.  A hint of struggle just before "E" melts away for a singing, relieving melody; however, even this sweetness is laced with some independent rhythmic interplay and unexpected harmonies.  Gradual tension rebuilds until at "G" it comes back in full force, though this time with inflections of major and a hint toward satisfying resolution.  Three before "H", internal struggle climaxes loudly before being completely overcome by boldness and resolute action at "H".  Note that the motifs of the struggle (dotted eighth, sixteenth, long note) compose the same material that terminates the piece in triumph and glory, especially starting five after "H".  What may be perceived as a weakness or trial invariably makes one stronger when overcome.

Because the trumpet part is high in range and demanding in technique, an alternate part for trumpet in D is included.

This piece, "A Luta Interna" or "Internal Struggle" is dedicated to the three fabulous musicians of the Sao Paulo Brass Trio: my good friend Amarildo Nascimento on trumpet, Vitor Ferreira on horn, and Carlos Freitas on trombone.

A Luta Interna (Internal Struggle), Op. 77, for Brass Trio

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