Monolith Fanfare, Op. 67 (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.