Khaen

Khaen is a bamboo free-reed mouth organ from Northeast Thailand and Laos, deeply rooted in the region's musical heritage. This composition brings the Khaen's distinctive timbre drone-like textures and rhythmic ostinatos into the wind ensemble setting, blending Southeast Asian traditions with Western instrumentation. Structured in multiple contrasting sections, the piece highlights the essential characteristics of the Khaen: resonant open chords that evoke its rich harmonics, lively ostinato figures inspired by traditional accompaniment patterns, energetic dance-like passages, and a lyrical, nostalgic slow section. Each segment explores a different facet of the instrument's expressive range through different musical textures by the ensemble. Building towards its climax, the piece culminates in an explosive, high-energy dance, driving forward with rhythmic intensity! [2024 Recipient of the Atlantic Coast Conference Band Directors Association James E. Croft Grant for Young and Emerging Wind Band Composers] (Awarded in memory of Robert M. Carnochan)